What is a foster family and what do they do? 

Fostering puppies/dogs can be a very rewarding experience and a lot of fun. However, it is not for everyone. It will involve time and commitment on your part, and all family members must be in agreement with the decision to foster. We have all fallen in love with the puppies we have fostered, and it is often hard to part with them and tears are shed. But remember, you have taken in a pet that might have died if it weren't for you. You have given that pet a second chance in life and have now made room to do the same for another dog that needs you. It is also wonderful to see the joy and excitement when the new parents leave with their new family member. Often the new parents will stay in touch and send updates and pictures, and you know that it has all been worthwhile.

If you have pets of your own, they must be up to date on their vaccinations and spayed/neutered. Dogs/Pups are kept in foster care for at least 3-5 days prior to adoption to ensure that there are no hidden health issues. After that they may be adopted out to suitable families.

We will supply the food and vet care needed, including monthly preventatives for fleas / ticks and heartworm. If the pet should require emergency medical attention HART will have you or someone take the pet to All Creatures Vet Clinic or one of our other vets. You must however get approval from your contact person prior to taking the dog in. We can always be called for advice with any behavioral issues you might encounter. We will call you for updates on the dog/pup at least once per week.

We require, in the vast majority of cases, that you provide an indoor only home.  Allowing the pet to stay in a secured fenced enclosure for short periods of time is fine, but the pet must be allowed indoors in poor weather, extreme temperatures and overnight.  You must be able to attend at least two adoption events with your foster pet per month, at the Petco store in the Avenue Shopping Plaza.  We can make arrangements with foster parents ahead of time if needed to pick up their foster pet and bring them with us and return them to you that day or in the following days.  This is not available every weekend and we can’t do this for each event your pet needs to be at.  If you can’t commit to at least 2 Saturdays per month in most months, this may not be the best way for your family to help a homeless pet.

If needed, we will provide a crate for your foster pet so you can begin crate training and housebreaking.  We do ask you to begin basic obedience training and house manners with your foster pet.  Studies have shown that pets with basic training are drastically less likely to be returned to a rescue.  In the end, that is our ultimate goal.  If you’re chosen foster pet needs regular grooming, we ask you to make transportation arrangements.  HART will pay for the grooming, but you must be able to pick up and drop off your pet in most cases, unless you make arrangements with us ahead of time.  We also ask you to be available to newly adopted pet parents in case they have any questions, whether by phone or e-mail.

If you would like to become a foster parent or would like more information please feel free to contact us at any time by phone at 931-409-4691 or e-mail at HARTinTN@aol.com.

Thank you for thinking of helping save lives!

Hilltop Animal Rescue Team family

www.HilltopAnimalRescueTeam.com

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