Foster Home Agreement

This agreement is made and hereby entered into, on April 26, 2025, by and between Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. ‘Rescue Program’ (HSS) and , hereafter referred to as Foster Home. A Foster Home is defined as a temporary home for the dog to live in while it awaits a permanent adoption through Houston Sheltie Sanctuary. The purpose of this contract is to ensure that this dog gets the highest possible level of care and treatment throughout its stay in our program.

Foster Home understands and agrees to abide by the following terms:

• Foster Home agrees to temporarily house and care for dog(s) belonging to Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. Foster Home understands and agrees that Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. is the sole and rightful owner of the foster dog(s).
• Foster Home fully agrees and understands that all decisions regarding this dog(s) will be made by Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc.
• Foster Home agrees to treat this animal in a humane and loving way at all times, and to make sure that anyone temporarily caring for this dog will do the same.
• The Foster Home understands that Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. is not responsible for any damage caused by this dog(s) while in foster care. Therefore, Foster Home agrees to confine this dog(s) to a crate when it cannot be directly supervised.
• The Foster Home agrees to provide this dog(s), and all other animals he/she owns, with proper veterinary care as is recommended. This includes a monthly Heartworm prevention and flea control program. We recommend Sentinel or Interceptor/Frontline. Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. will pay for any medication this dog(s) needs, providing the medication or vet service was approved prior to treatment, and one of our preferred vet clinics were used.
• Foster Home understands that if it decides it wants to adopt this dog(s) permanently, that it must notify Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. before a potential adopter makes plans to meet this dog(s). We will not cancel an adoption in progress.
• Foster Home understands that the applicable adoption fee, as listed on the website, will be due at the time of adoption. Foster Home understands that Shelties are a very shy breed, and are a great “runaway” risk in a new environment. Foster Home understands to take extra precaution to prevent this dog(s) from getting loose outside, or running out of a door that was left open.
• The Foster Home agrees that the care of this dog(s) is not transferable. The Foster Home agrees that if for any reason he/she is unable to continue to house and care for the dog(s)(s) that it will notify and turn this dog back over to Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc.
• Foster Home agrees to make certain the foster dog(s) wears the Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. ID tag on its collar at all times.
• Foster Home agrees to keep this dog(s) clean and well groomed at all times.
• Foster Home agrees to feed a wholesome, premium dog food, and have fresh water available at all times. Generic dog food, store brand dog foods, or no-name dog foods are not considered premium food.
• The Foster Home agrees that this dog will reside in the home of the Foster Home, not outside. This dog(s) may NOT be left outdoors if you are not at home.
• Foster Home agrees that this dog(s) will never be allowed off a leash when it is outdoors, unless it is in a fenced in area or fenced yard. This dog(s) may never be left outdoors if you are not there supervising the dog(s).
• Foster Home understands that it is often their job to determine or learn the temperament of the dog(s) they are fostering. Foster Home understands that Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. has no way of knowing the temperament of most of the dogs coming into the program. Therefore, Foster Home agrees to use due caution when first handling the foster. Further, Foster Home is fully aware that any dog(s) may bite if provoked. Foster home also agrees to never allow any stranger or child to be near this dog(s) until this dog(s) is trusted, and will never allow any child to threaten, squeeze, poke, step on, or otherwise pose a perceived threat to this dog(s). IF Foster home determines the dog to be a biter, or a bite risk, they are to contact Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. immediately for further instructions.
• Foster Home grants permission for a representative of Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. to visit the home at any time to check on the well-being of this dog.
• Foster Home agrees to return this dog to a member of Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. within 24 hours of being asked to return the dog. If Foster home is unavailable at the time the dog is needed, Foster Home agrees to make the dog available for pick up within the 24-hour period.
• Should Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. need to seek legal action against the Foster Home for any violations of this Agreement, the Foster Home hereby agrees it will assume any and all attorney costs, court fees, and any other legal fees incurred, in the process of enforcing this contract, or reclaiming the dog.

Other: If Foster Home’s resident Sheltie over time does not adjust to the Foster Home’s dog, Foster Home will contact the Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. to make adjustments for the dog(s). Foster Home is retiring 31st day of December 2018. Foster Home believes this will make a better situation for Foster Home, dog(s), and the Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. Foster Home requests the Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. hold off until that time to place a dog(s). Retiring will allow Foster Home to use the Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc.’s regular vet services.