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Frequently Asked
Fostering Questions
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How do I become a foster?Please complete our foster application. A member of our team will review your application and contact you with more information.
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Will I be responsible for any kitten expenses?No. Foster homes will be given everything they need to care for their kittens. Some fosters choose to buy their own food and supplies; this helps our rescue, but is not required.
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Do I need to have prior fostering experience?No. We have a mixture of both seasoned and new foster homes in our program.
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What are the requirements to be a foster home with Itty Bitty Kitten Rescue?Foster homes must provide a clean and safe space (a room that can be closed off from other pets and children) where kittens can develop and grow. They also need to be able to dedicate time and attention to properly care for and socialize their foster kittens. You do not need prior kitten experience to foster with Itty Bitty Kitten Rescue, but you must have some experience caring for a pet. Foster homes must be willing to abide by all rules associated with fostering for IBKR.
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What kinds of responsibilities can I expect as a foster?Our foster home requirements are as follows: Provide a safe, clean, and caring environment. Monitor kittens' physical and mental wellbeing. Provide exercise and socialization. Feed only as directed by IBKR. Closely monitor all kittens' weights (tiny or ill kittens need to be weighed daily and larger kittens weekly). Kitten weights are to be reported weekly and any unusual fluctuations in weight are to be reported immediately. Immediately report any diarrhea/vomiting. Seek veterinary care as directed, and avoid any medications or supplements unless directed by IBKR. Transport kittens to/from vaccinations and health checks offsite adoption events photography sessions any necessary vet appointments Isolate kittens from other animals in the foster home for a required 14-day period.
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What kind of time should I expect to dedicate when I foster?Newborn kittens require bottle feeding every 2-3 hours; kittens 6 weeks and older can eat on their own. Kittens with medical issues also require more time. Read more about what responsibilities to expect with various types of fosters here.
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What kind of support system do I have if I have questions?All fosters will be assigned to a senior IBKR Team Member. Fosters may contact their team member whenever they have questions or concerns.
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Do I need training? Do I get training?If you have lived with kittens or cats in the past, you most likely will not need extensive training to foster with IBKR. A senior IBKR Team Member will talk with you about your kittens and any special requirements they may have. Any foster home that wishes to bottle feed neonatal kittens will need prior experience with neonates and/or be willing to work with one of our senior IBKR Team Members before taking these types of kittens.
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I have other animals; can I foster if I have my own animals?Yes. Kittens must be quarantined for 14 days before interacting with other animals in your home. All foster homes must show proof that pets living in the home are up to date on all vaccinations (Rabies, FVRCP, and FeLV for cats; rabies, DHPP, Lepto, Bordetella, and Flu for dogs). All animals living in the home must receive regular flea/parasite/heartworm prevention. All interactions between IBKR kittens and a foster's personal pets must be monitored Foster kittens could contract an illness at any time (upper respiratory infections, viruses, intestinal parasites, etc.). Before fostering with Itty Bitty Kitten Rescue, you must understand that your pets could be exposed to potential illnesses and that medical treatment for your pets is your financial responsibility.
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I have kids; can I also foster?Yes. Kittens that grow up with children can become some of the most loving family pets. Interactions between kittens and children must be supervised to ensure both kids and kittens are safe and comfortable.
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What kind of supplies do I need to prepare my home for foster kittens?IBKR will supply carriers, food, litter, litter boxes, medication, and anything else the kittens require. Foster homes often provide food dishes (metal or glass), toys (no feathers), baby wipes (unscented), washable stuffed animals, and baby blankets.
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How long will I have kittens in my house?Foster homes must be prepared to keep their kittens until they are adopted. Kittens will be spayed/neutered and advertised for adoption when they reach 2 pounds and 8 weeks of age. Most kittens are adopted within 4 weeks of being advertised...others take longer to find their perfect home. Several of our foster homes are available for short-term vacation assignments. If you have a trip planned, we can work around it!
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How many kittens will I have at one time?Foster homes may have no fewer than 2 kittens at a time, but can have as many as is determined appropriate by the foster home and our intake coordinator.
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What is the average age of kittens I will be fostering?Please review the Types of Fosters section for more information about what age ranges we have at Itty Bitty Kitten Rescue and let us know which group you would like to foster.
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What happens if my foster kittens get sick?All fosters will be assigned a senior IBKR Team Member and should contact this person with any concerns about their kittens' health as soon as symptoms appear (fever, diahrrea , loss of appetite, weight loss, etc.).
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Am I in charge of finding homes for the kittens?No. IBKR will advertise all adoptable kittens in our weekly newsletters, on PetFinder, on Facebook and Instagram, and at PetSmart adoption events. Fosters are encouraged to share all social media posts with their friends, and to forward newsletters to anyone they know personally who is thinking of adopting a kitten. IBKR fosters are actively involved in their kittens' forever home placement. From the initial screening of applicants to final approval of the adoptive home, our fosters are as involved in the adoption process as they choose to be.
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I am currently fostering for another rescue; can I foster with IBKR at the same time?No. In order to minimize cross-contamination and illnesses, we do not allow foster homes to take in animals from other rescue groups while fostering our kittens.
Have a question not answered above? Contact us.
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