Foster

Fostering is a rewarding and important role, but it comes with a number of responsibilities. Please carefully review the following guidelines to ensure fostering is the right fit for you. This will help you understand the commitment involved before making your decision.


Supplies Provided by Us:
- We will provide all essential items for your foster guinea pig(s), such as cages, carriers, bowls, water bottles, fleece liners, and more upon request.

Basic Care Responsibilities:
- As a foster family, you will be responsible for providing hay, pellets, fresh vegetables and fruits, and litter (if not using fleece liners). Please note that we are unable to reimburse for these items.
- Feeding & Safety: Your primary responsibility is to ensure that your foster guinea pig(s) are well-fed, safe, and comfortable. This includes providing the proper diet and a clean, secure living space.

Cage Cleaning:

It will be your responsibility to maintain a clean living environment for the guinea pig(s). At a minimum, you should:
- Sweep their cage daily.
- Change pee pads every other day.
- Launder the entire cage once a week.
- It is important that your foster guinea pigs do not live in a wet or soiled environment.

Interaction & Socialization:
- Guinea pigs need socialization to become well-adjusted pets. You will be expected to interact with your fosters regularly, talking to them and giving them supervised floor time.
- Your goal is to help them become comfortable, well-socialized, and lovable so that they are ready for adoption. It’s important to get to know their individual behaviors so you can spot any issues early on.
- You must keep your personal pets separate from the foster guinea pig(s). If you have another guinea pig they can be in the vicinity so they can talk to each other. However they must not physically interact to avoid the transfer of diseases should the foster or your guinea pig be sick.

Health Monitoring & Weight Tracking:
You will be required to weigh your foster guinea pig(s) regularly:
- Adults: Weigh once a month using a kitchen scale (if available), and report the weight in grams.
- Babies: Weigh daily and report the weight to us.
- If any health or behavioral issues arise, it will be your responsibility to report them to us immediately.

Photography:
- To help promote your foster guinea pig(s) for adoption, we will need photos. Please take at least one group picture and one solo photo of each guinea pig. These pictures will be used for adoption posts and social media.

Monthly Updates & Foster Communication:
- We will be in regular contact with you to check in on the weight, health, and behavior of your foster guinea pig(s). Monthly updates are essential to ensure the guinea pig is progressing well.
- If any medical or behavioral concerns arise, please let us know so we can address them together.

Nail Trimming & Routine Care:
- Fosters will be required to trim their guinea pig(s)’ nails monthly. If you are unsure how to do this, we can provide instructions or arrange for a nail trim with us.
- You will also be asked to attend a monthly foster call, if possible, to discuss your fosters' progress and any concerns you may have.

Adoption Meetups:
- If a potential adopter expresses interest in your foster guinea pig(s), you may be asked to arrange a meetup. If you prefer not to host the meetup, please let us know so we can make alternative arrangements.
- A contract will be generated prior to the meetup. If the adopter decides to adopt, the contract will be signed before the guinea pig(s) are transferred.

Transportation & Wellness Checks:
- You may be asked to assist with transporting guinea pigs or participating in wellness checks. If you do transport animals, they must be securely placed in a carrier at all times for their safety.
If you cannot participate in wellness checks please let us know in advance so we may arrange someone else to transport them.

Health Emergencies:
- If your foster guinea pig(s) become ill or injured, you will need to contact the foster coordinator immediately. We have relationships with several veterinary offices and will cover the cost of approved medical bills for your foster.