How to Build a Foster Program
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Looking to start a foster program for cats and/or dogs? Then this course is for you! The basics of setting up a foster program are covered, including policies and procedures, data tracking, and recruiting, training, and retaining caregivers. If you are looking to expand an existing dog foster program, check out the self-paced courses Growing Your Adult Dog Foster Program and Building Foster Programs for Cats and Kittens.
Maximize In-Shelter Welfare, Animal & Population Management, live outcomes, foster programs, foster care, pet fostering, community outreach, growing and sustaining a foster care program
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Lesson 1- Introduction
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Begin self-paced component package.
Lesson 1 is an overview of the How to Build a Foster Program and what to expect from this course.
Lesson 2 - Collecting Data to Target Starting Foster Group
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Begin self-paced component package.
In lesson 2, we look at an important first step in starting your foster program: collecting data. By collecting data, you can see which groups of animals to focus on first.
Optional Data Collection Exercise
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Begin self-paced component package.
In this optional, interactive exercise, you‘ll be able to apply what you learned in Lesson 2 by studying a sample shelter and its population data.
Lesson 3 - Setting Program Goals and When to Launch
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Begin self-paced component package.
In this lesson, you will learn how to set program goals and how to decide when to launch your program.
Lesson 4 - Policies and Procedures, Part 1
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Begin self-paced component package.
In this lesson you will learn how to develop policies and procedures for your program, how to allocate responsibility for the program elements, and what supplies are needed for foster care and how to decide who should provide them.
Lesson 5 - Policies and Procedures, Part 2
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Begin self-paced component package.
In this lesson you will learn:
• What written materials need to be developed before launching your program
• What to put in a foster family take-home package
• How to handle liability for the program
Lesson 6 - Adoptions
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Begin self-paced component package.
In this lesson you will learn:
• How to set up adoption policies for the foster program
• How to establish what the foster family’s responsibility in adoptions will be
• How to support adoption efforts for animals in the program
Lesson 7 - Computer Systems and Data Tracking
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Begin self-paced component package.
In this lesson you will learn:
• How to develop a foster parent database and what it should track
• How to develop a foster animal database and what it should track
• About a powerful tool that can help you support your foster parents and their pets!
Lesson 8 - Recruiting Foster Families
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Begin self-paced component package.
In this lesson we’ll cover:
• How to recruit foster families
• How to design policies for foster parent recruitment
Lesson 9 - Training Foster Families
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Begin self-paced component package.
In this lesson you will learn:
• Different approaches for training foster families
• The challenges and benefits associated with each approach
Lesson 10 - Retaining Foster Families
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Begin self-paced component package.
In this lesson you will learn:
• The importance of retention planning
• Tips to show appreciation
• Ways to build a foster caregiver community
How to Build a Foster Program - Final Quiz
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Begin self-paced component package.
Take this quiz to earn a certificate of attendance. A passing score is 70%. If you don't pass the first time, try again!
Optional course survey
4 Questions
4 Questions
We'd love to hear from you! Please complete this brief survey to let us know about your experience with this course.
Looking for learning on a specific animal welfare education or animal well-being topic? Go to the catalog and search by keyword.