Foster homes provide a nurturing environment in a family atmosphere where foster pigs can grow, heal, socialize, and become or remain adoptable pets. These volunteers are the backbone of rescue. Their efforts are priceless & directly save lives. The job of a foster home is to provide temporary housing and care for a rescued pig, until an approved adopter is found. This may take days, weeks, months, or in excess of a year.
The specific responsibilities of a foster home vary depending on the organization or individual serving as guardian for the rescued pig. A foster contract should be provided by the rescue organization detailing these responsibilities. The beauty of fostering is you are not solely responsible for the rescued pig. The foster home provides temporary care while the rescue remains as guardian / owner of the pig. The rescue should be financially responsible for the pig while seeking qualified adoptive homes for permanent placement. In the meantime, the foster provides temporary housing and care until the pig is adopted. Responsible rescues will thoroughly screen potential foster homes before placing a pig in their care. While this process may feel intrusive, it is in the best interest of the pig to ensure they will be safe and cared for while in foster care.
In general, as a volunteer foster home you will be expected to provide:
Know your limits – only take on pigs you can manage physically and financially
Care for the pig until adoption – days, weeks, or months
Basic needs – Food, shelter, grooming, basic supplies
Affection & compassion
Secure fencing
Transport to the veterinarian
Basic training
Harness and leash if needed
Crate as needed
Kennel as needed for transporting
Quarantine as needed
Security against pregnancies or injuries
Surgery aftercare as needed
Dispense medications as needed
Keep safe from other animals including dogs
Evaluation of the pig for appropriate placement, such as interactions with kids, strangers, dogs, or other pets.
Photograph the foster pig for networking purposes
Get to know the foster pig’s personality
The specific responsibilities of a rescue organization vary depending on the organization or individual serving as guardian for the rescued pig. A foster contract should be provided by the rescue organization detailing these responsibilities.
In general, you may expect the rescue organization to provide:
Finding, screening, approving adoptive homes
Proper paperwork for all aspects of the rescue including a foster contract
Enforcing adoption contracts
Availability for return of pig if adopter is unable to accommodate
Microchips
Vaccinations
Wormers
Medication
Spay and neuter of all pigs BEFORE adoption
Veterinary bills
Seeking and managing donations for the care of the foster pig
Guidance or mentoring to foster home
Alternate foster home in case movement of pig is needed
Some rescue organizations will provide additional items such as food, crates, leash, harness, and may have a volunteer photograph the pig for networking. Most organizations will go above and beyond their normal procedures to help a foster home where needed.
Always ask specifics before taking in a foster pig to ensure you know what is expected of you and what will be provided.