Foster Guardian Program
The Board of Directors and staff members of the Watertown Humane Society are excited to announce the beginning of a new program-the “Foster Guardian Program“. This program will begin June 15, 2011. Several other area shelters have had dog and cat “foster parents” or “guardians” for some time now, and it is a program designed to assist animals who need a temporary home for various reasons.
Some very fearful dogs may need a quiet, loving home to help them trust humans again, or they may need some basic training in obedience and housebreaking. Many pregnant cats would benefit from a safe place to have their kittens and stay for the first six to eight weeks they are nursing. Other reasons for a foster home would be recovery after surgery, injury, or illness.
What are the Requirements to be a Foster Guardian?
Prospective cat and dog guardians will be given an informational booklet about the program, and a questionnaire about fostering either cats or dogs. Foster guardians will then be screened, just as adopters are screened, for the best match with a needy animal.
A comprehensive manual describing the needs of the animals and possible emergency situations would be given to the foster guardian, and a training session will be held at the shelter to answer any questions the guardians might have.
Where Can I Get More Information?
Stop in at the Shelter at 418 Water Tower Court in Watertown during normal office hours to pick up the informational booklet and a questionnaire. Hours are: Mondays 12 noon to 6 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 12 noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
