What Does it Mean to Foster?
The Foster Program allows individuals to foster an animal long-term with the intention of applying for a “forever foster” once suitability and compatibility are confirmed or offer a short-term safe environment offering safety and love, in addition to behavioral and training to the animal in care.
Fostering with Cobbs Exotic Rescue means helping to work on and provide the animal in foster work towards a state of higher sociability and handling and creating a safe environment.
It is the goal of the foster home to help the animal thrive and find their true colors and personality in a safe, stable and secure home environment.
After a minimum foster period of 12 months including quarterly check-ins, the foster may apply for a “Forever Foster” of the animal. Approval is at the sole discretion of Cobbs Exotic Rescue and Education Foundation.
What am I Required to Do As a Foster?
The goal of fostering is to help the animal in question become the best version of themselves. This means providing safety, love, and behavioral training and/or medical care as instructed by the team.
As the animals placed into foster have specific needs, the foster is required to be in regular contact with the Animal Manager, providing updates and seeking answers to any questions or challenges that may arise. The foster is required to contact the Animal Manager should an unforeseen medical or behavioral concern occur.
The Animal Manager will provide the foster with a specific care plan for the animal being placed into foster and will provide the foster with ongoing instruction and support for medical and/or behavioural needs of the animal.
Within the 12 month foster period, Cobbs Exotic Rescue will provide all necessary supplies, initial minimum set up and will cover the cost of food, and medications. Cobbs Exotic Rescue will ensure the animal is seen by a vet as needed and is around for all pre-arranged (by Cobbs Exotic Rescue) veterinary appointments while in the foster Program. Unauthorized veterinary expenses may not be reimbursed.
What are the requirements to foster?
Age Requirement
Be over 18 years of age.
Location
Live in Calgary or the surrounding area.
Transportation
Have access to reliable transportation to access food and veterinary care.
Resources
Agree to picking up all supplies from Cobbs Exotic Rescue on an as-needed basis.
Housing
Own your home or have approval from your landlord to have a foster animal within the home.
Environment
Be able to provide a stable and secure home environment.
What is the difference between Adoption, Fostering and a Forever Foster?
Traditional Adoption (not offered through Cobbs)
Full ownership is transferred to the adopter and the adopter may rehome, sell or keep the animal and care for the animal at their own discretion.
Cobbs Foster Program
- Temporary placement.
- Animal remains fully under Cobbs ownership.
- Cobbs may assist with veterinary care and major expenses (as agreed).
- Regular check-ins required by Cobbs Exotic Rescue and Education Foundation.
- Animal may be returned to Cobbs at any time.
- Goal is rehabilitation, socialization or eventual permanent placement.
Cobbs Forever Foster
- Long-term permanent placement in a home after the 12 month foster program.
- Animal remains connected to Cobbs and should be returned to Cobbs if for whatever reason the initial home is no longer able to care for the animal.
- One-time Forever Foster fee ($100).
- All care and veterinary costs are the Forever Foster’s responsibility.
- Animal may not be rehomed privately.
Terms and Conditions
Please note that not all animals owned by Cobb’s Exotic Rescue and Education Foundation are available for foster placement.
Interviews and home checks prior to fostering are required.
Cobb’s Exotic Rescue and Education Foundation reserves the right to conduct scheduled or unscheduled welfare checks with reasonable notice.
All animals remain the legal property of Cobb’s Exotic Rescue and Education Foundation and therefore may not be sold, resold, or rehomed under any circumstances without prior approval through the foster program.
All other pets in the household must be fully disclosed prior to fostering.
Animal placements will be discussed with approved foster applicants and may be assigned based on prior experience, household composition, and individual circumstances as determined by the rescue.
