Foster FAQs
What does it mean to “foster” a cat?
A foster home shelters and cares for a cat or kitten as if they were owned, but on a temporary basis.
What’s the process for becoming a foster parent?
We ask prospective fosters to start by submitting a Foster Q&A (“Question & Answer”). These questions are used as a map for a friendly conversation which happens either over the phone or in person. There are no wrong answers though! We simply use this information to make the best placement for both human and cat.
From there, we will figure out who to place with you. We may already have a cat in our system who needs to be moved or perhaps there is a cat on our intake waiting list. In some cases, we might place a cat from our city shelter with you.
How long is a foster gig?
That depends on you! We ask prospective fosters what their ideal timeframe is and place felines accordingly. If something comes up while you’re fostering a cat for us just let us know and we’ll accommodate. Generally, we try to have a “Plan B” in place for all of the cats under our care, in case we need to find alternate placement for them.
Do I need any special experience to foster?
No experience is necessary! Most fosters seem to have some experience, whether they’ve cared for a childhood cat, lived with (or are living with) a roommate’s cat, or have cat-sat. It’s ok if you don’t have any experience. If you don’t, we’ll place an easy kitty with you. But check out our foster Q&A! We ask you who you think you’d like to foster. Fosters are very much in the driver’s seat. Good Home plans the journey and we take the trip together.
What if I accept a cat and something comes up that prevents me from continuing to foster?
We understand that things come up and try to have a Plan B in place for our cats, just in case. We are always available to communicate with and just ask fosters to keep us in the loop about plans or changing circumstances and, whenever possible, to give us as much elbow room as possible.
How are emergencies handled?
If an emergency arises, fosters are asked to contact Good Home immediately. Emergency decisions and care are handled by Good Home.
Can I adopt my foster cat?
Foster-to-adopt is certainly an option! We still ask a foster who want to adopt to work with us as if they are a traditional foster—for example, communicate with us about the cat’s needs, provide pictures and start an Instagram account. That way, if your foster cat does not ultimately become a permanent member of your family, we will not have fallen behind with their adoption.
Do I need to have a social media presence in order to foster?
You yourself don’t have to be active on social media, but we do ask all fosters to start an Instagram account for their cat. We use Instagram heavily to promote the cats and a foster’s account becomes part of the cat’s ad. An Instagram account helps prospective adopters see what a cat is like at home.
What am I responsible for cost-wise?
We ask fosters to cover the cost of daily care (food, litter, toys and treats). Good Home provides a carrier.
Do I have to pay for veterinary care?
No, Good Home arranges and pays for all veterinary care.
Do I have to provide transportation?
Good Home largely provides transportation in the form of curbside pick up and drop off. Occasionally we ask fosters to transport their cat to the Cat Lounge (751 Franklin Ave 11238) if they are in need of a vaccination or exam. If you live outside of our footprint (check out the map on the Foster Q&A page) we will ask you to provide transportation.