Fostering
About Fostering
In many Korean cities, the animal control offices hold stray animals for 10 days and euthanize all pets whose owners don't reclaim them in that time (some are flexible on the 10-day rule). Most shelters throughout the country are filled to the limit and animals living there are often stressed. How can you help?
Fostering, taking care of an animal in need and helping him/her find a forever home, is a very important short-term commitment which saves lives.
Some shelters don't allow animals to go to foster homes, others welcome the chance. ARK members are currently working with rescue groups and shelters and are able to save and foster cats and dogs from local government kill-shelters, privately-run no-kill shelters, as well as strays found in various cities throughout the country.
Find help, advice, and support in the Fostering Forum.
Here's a summary of the steps involved in fostering a dog or a cat in Korea:
Read more about fostering
Prepare for a new animal
Stuff to do:
- Find out if your landlord will allow a pet; pet proof your apartment; find a vet; find a good place to take a dog for walks.
Stuff to get:
- A bed, food & dishes, pet cleaner, toys, a collar and leash or kitty litter & box. Check out your local Emart, Lotte Mart, and pet supply shops which don't sell live animals.
Find an animal to foster
- See the list of ANIMALS FOR FOSTER and contact the person who created the listing. Screening may be required through an application or by phone interview.
- Check out the list of animal shelters in Korea. Contact the volunteer representing that shelter on ARK, or if there is none, contact the shelter directly and ask about their fostering program. Screening may be required through an application or by phone interview.
SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK:
Who is responsible for creating the adoption ad?
Who is responsible for updating the adoption ad?
Who is responsible for screening adopters?
Who will pay vet bills incurred while fostering?
Who will collect the adoption fee? How?
Prepare the pet for his/her forever home
- Follow the vet's medical program, if any.
- Socialize and train the animal as much as possible.
- Take cute photos for promoting his/her adoption.
- Observe and take notes on the pet's personality.
- Prepare a brief pet biography for the adoption ad.
Start looking for a forever home
NOTE: If you are fostering through an organization or shelter, discuss with them whose responsibility it is to search for a home.
- Write an awesome pet adoption ad and include your best photos.
- Post an adoption ad in the ARK Adoptable Animal Listings. Crosspost on other expat websites as well.
- Make posters to put at vet offices near you, if allowed.
- E-mail all your worthy friends, co-workers, and acquaintances and ask them to help you spread the word.
Screen potential adopters until a good match is found
NOTE: If you are fostering through an organization, that organization will be responsible for the final screening and adoption contracts.
If you are caring for a stray or rescue of your own, post in the fostering forum if you need help or advice. Here are basic guidelines:
- Read Best Friends.org's How to Find Homes For Homeless Pets for screening tips.
- Have all interested adopters fill the Pet Adoption Application.
- Meet potential adopters at least once before they bring home the animal. No sense rushing a decision that will last potentially 15-18 years, the pet's lifetime.
- Charge an adoption fee. This helps ensure adopters are committed, not making an impulsive decision, and understand the basic costs of taking care of a pet. It also reimburses some expenses, enabling rescue efforts to continue.
Coordinate delivery of the pet to his/her forever home
Prepare your success story to inspire others and rejoice at a job well done!
King was rescued, fostered, and adopted in 2007. He moved to a cozy home in Seoul.
Last updated August 25, 2010.
Author: Karen Busch
