Thank you for applying to be a Finder-Foster. By taking this animal into your home you are providing a safe space for them to hang out until their family finds them. Reuniting animals with their humans is the primary goal of the program.
We ask for your assistance by posting to social media sites (Nextdoor, Facebook Lost & Found pages, Finding Rover, Pawboost) and hanging fliers in the area where the animal was found. OAS will provide you with a pre-printed FOUND ANIMAL flier. Once you register as a foster, additional information will be emailed to you.
After the stray hold period, the animal will be available for adoption and as the Finder-Foster you will have first option to adopt.
Frequently Asked Questions
This varies depending on when the animal is found and reported to the shelter. Stray hold periods are between 4 and 10 days. The service representative will let you know the stray hold period for the specific animal you are fostering at intake.
Owners are asked to come to OAS to reunite with their animal. Should you meet the owners outside of OAS, have them contact us immediately, and plan to come to OAS to complete the process. Finder-Fosters will be asked to bring the animal in to be reunited at the shelter.
After the stray hold period, if the owners have not been found, the animal is available for adoption. You will need to complete an application and let the foster coordinator know you want to adopt.
Unaltered animals: The animal will be scheduled for a spay/neuter surgery and upon completion of surgery, the adoption will be completed. At that time you'll pay the adoption fees and licensing fee (for Oakland residents).
Altered animals: Schedule a time with the adoption coordinator to complete the paperwork and get a microchip for the animal. At that time you'll pay the adoption fees and licensing fee (for Oakland residents).
You are not required to adopt the animal and can bring it back to OAS at any time during the stray hold period.
We love people to continue fostering the animals while they are up for adoption. We will schedule some time with you to get more information about the animal to properly match it with an adopter, get photos/videos, and create a bio for the OAS website.
All medical issues will be handled at OAS. Should a serious medical issue arise, bring the animal in to OAS and our vet staff will treat the animal. After hours emergencies will require contacting the foster coordinator to get approval for emergency vet services via one of our contract hospitals. Should you choose to take the animal to your own veterinarian, you will be responsible for all costs.
As the Finder-Foster you are taking home an animal that has not been evaluated by the OAS behavior team. If you experience any behavioral issues that are of concern and impact your desire to keep the animal, bring the animal back to OAS.
The first few days in a new environment can be tough on an animal. Changes such as these are typical and not a major concern.
Guidelines for Finder-Fosters
Foster dogs are not allowed in dog parks or off-leash outside of home/confined area until the stray hold period is over. Greetings with other off-leash dogs are not permitted until the stray hold period is over. Please keep in mind, this dog is not your property. We are aiming to keep the dog safe for its owner, should they come forward, and prevent any liability on the part of the Finder-Foster during the stray hold period.
If any medical issues arise, the animal must be brought to OAS for medical care. If you take the animal to your own vet you are taking responsibility for payment of any charges.
Contact OAS if any major behavioral issues arise such as altercations or bites to humans or other animals.
If you have other animals in the home, please keep the foster animal separated for feeding and at times when you are not there to directly supervise interactions.
Register as a stray hold foster
Please complete the form below, including the ACR number (5 digit number) you will be provided by the service representative. This is a requirement to be a Finder-Foster. We will reach out to you at the end of the stray hold period to determine next steps.
