Parce que la violence les blesse aussi...
BECOMING A FOSTER FAMILY
Becoming a foster family for Mission AnimEscape is not an easy task.  You understand the particular context of the lives of the families who confide their animals to us. Over time and with experience we have simplified the process and have rendered it entirely safe for the foster families.

Among other roles, you must be ready to meet with these families or individuals on a monthly basis during the PausANImale encounters.

In addition, you must be diligent in making sure to NEVER divulge your address and telephone number.  Only your e-mail address and/or a cell phone number can be transmitted to the families you are serving.

From the day your new pensioner arrives, while offering an affectionate welcome and providing protection as to one of yours, you are aware that he will leave you shortly...  Luckily, only a few among them will not be taken back to their families once their stay at a centre for victims of conjugal/family violence comes to term. 
The stages of guardianship

From day one and till the departure of the fostered animal, how does a guardianship goes? Find the answer here!

Also, you will have to undergo the following stages prior and while your are welcoming your first pensioner:
ANNEX III – TEMPORARY GUARDIANSHIP AGREEMENT WITH FOSTER FAMILY
For each temporary guardianship the foster family must also complete an agreement form, where the engagement of both parties is stipulated in detail.   






 

ANNEX V – ADMISSION FORM
During the initial guardianship meeting the foster family will complete and sign a duplicate copy of the admissions form. The legal guardian or the social worker acting on her behalf will do the same.  One copy is remitted to the woman (or person acting on her behalf) confiding the animal. The foster family will keep the other copy and mail it to AnimEscape (We will reimburse the postage fees). 


 




 

ANNEX VII and ANNEX VIIII - PRESENTATION TO LEGAL GUARDIANS
The foster family will make sure to remit the presentation letter to the legal guardian, for one animal (ANNEX VII ) or several  animals (ANNEX VIII).








 

ANNEX IX -  FOUNDER’S MESSAGE
At the guardianship encounter, the foster family will also remit to the legal guardian a legal copy of the Message letter from the Founder.








ANNEX XI – PausANImescape meetings
During the guardianship encounter, the foster family will remit the information document with regards to the PausANImale meetings to the legal guardian.

NOTE: PausANImale meetings are offered once a month at most, during which the foster family can observe any inadequate behavior on the part of the client and/or their children towards the animal, i.e. excessive force or brusqueness, aggression, etc. Do not inform the client of your observations or criticize the behavior to the woman or the children.  It is the responsibility of the foster family to inform AnimEscape so that the measures for psychological support and necessary education can be undertaken with the social worker responsible for the family’s file. Dates of meetings with PausANImale (and observations) must be recorded in detailed report.










ANNEX VI - CONSENT FOR STERILISATION
Part of our mandate is to raise awareness with the families with regards to sterilization for their cats and dogs. When the legal guardian consents to the intervention, the foster family will have the consignment form for sterilization signed PRIOR to the visit to the vet.  This document will be filed in the animal’s file and a copy may be remitted to the vet if required.







 

ANNEX IV – DETAILED REPORT
The foster family will use the detailed report, (ANNEX IV) to record observations and comments as the situation with the animal progresses.  This valuable document will be used to properly inform the legal guardian and to allow AnimEscape to evaluate whether the legal guardian (owner) also respects the engagement.








ANNEX X – DEPARTURE FORM
The foster family will remit the thank you letter from the founder to the legal guardian at the time the animal is returned to the owners. When the animal is returned to the family, it is crucial that the departure form be completed and  signed by the foster family and the legal guardian  (or the representative).


This document not only protects you but certifies that the legal guardian has taken custody of the animal.


FOSTERING A DOG OR A PUPPY

VACCINATION

Your animals MUST be vaccinated, including kennel cough vaccine for dogs and rhinotracheitis for cats, prior to accepting any animal.  As such, AnimEcale will request a copy of your pet’s updated vaccine report (either by fax, courrier, or for your vet’s telephone number along with your approval to contact him/her).

QUARANTINE

The dog must be isolated for the first 24 hours, and must have access to a quiet room in order to become accustomed to his new living conditions.

1. Examine the animal to check that he is not a carrier of ticks, flees or other parasites (this simple verification can be done by firmly scratching the abdominal fur above a white piece of paper and checking the fallout; check cleanliness of ears, whether stool residues are stuck to the rectum and if the eyes are runny).  Record your observations in the detailed report (ANNEX IV).  Please contact us should you wish to know how to go about this basic examination.

BASIC EXAMINATION

2. During the “quarantine” period, the dog must be able to urinate and defecate in your presence but away from your other dogs.  You must observe and note the presence of worms in the stool and inform us immediately if such is the case (do not let your animals nor any member of your family near by and throw out of the house immediately. Preferably, you should place a sample stool in a hermetically sealed container and keep it in a cool place. Contact us so that we may take the appropriate measures for a visit to the vet as quickly as possible for appropriate treatment). There exist however, parasites which are invisible to the naked eye…
3. You must measure the quantity of food and water intake by the animal and record it in the detailed report (ANNEX IV) which we will provide for you. This information must be transmitted to us via e-mail or verbally for our records. Fresh water must be available at all times and food must be dispensed as per the instructions of the legal guardian.
4. You must make sure that the animal is able to urinate and defecate normally, in sufficient quantity, consistency, odor and color.
5. The animal can come out of quarantine once all these signs are normal. 

BEHAVIOR OF THE FOSTER FAMILY

6. All members of the foster family must make sure to speak softly and gently touch the animal so he may understand that he will be taken care of (some animals have experienced brutality and abuse and can be fearful for a while in your company, until they understand that you can be trusted. Others will be ambivalent and may not want to be manipulated and we must not “force” their affection).

SAFETY OF THE ANIMAL

7. Dogs must never go outdoors by themselves and must always be held on a leash.
8. You are RESPONSIBLE for the well being of the animal being fostered and for any difficult situation you will contact AnimEscape who is committed to provide all necessary assistance.

ENCOUNTER WITH THE OTHER ANIMALS

After a few days, if the animal appears calm and disposed to explore his environment, you can present him to the other dogs, one at a time, if you have any so as not to create any anguish or stress.  If your pet or the newcomer reacts aggressively, it is best to avoid proximity! If the contact is positive, then you can allow the newcomer to circulate freely among the others. If you have dogs or other animals, make sure that they cannot attack each other.  AnimEscape is at your entire disposal to offer support in the familiarization stage for the new pensioner. Success will depend on the quality of the stay for the animal and from a positive and pleasant experience for the foster family.

DAMAGES TO YOUR HOUSE OR LAND

AnimEscape cannot be held responsible for any material damages caused by the animal.


FOSTERING A CAT OR KITTEN

VACCINATION

Your pets MUST all be vaccinated, including rhinotracheitis for cats, prior to the arrival of the pensioner.  Thus, AnimEscape will request copies of the up to date vaccines for all your animals (copy sent by fax or mail, or the coordinates and your authorization to contact your veterinary).

QUARANTINE

The arrival of the feline pensioner:  The cat must be isolated for the first 24 hours and must have a quiet room in order to become accustomed to his new surroundings.

1. Examine the animal to make sure he is not a carrier of ticks, fleas or other parasites (this simple verification can be done by firmly scratching the abdominal fur above a white sheet of paper and checking the debris, check cleanliness of the ears, whether stool residues are stuck to the rectum, and whether the ears and nose are runny). Note these observations in the detailed report (ANNEX IV). Please do not hesitate to contact us should you wish to know how to go about this basic examination.
2. The cat must have his own litter box and the other cats must not have access to it during this period (in order to avoid contamination by parasites, to better evaluate elimination, etc.).
3. You must measure the food and water intake by the animal and note your observations in the detailed report (ANNEX IV) which we will provide for you. You must transmit this information to us by e-mail or verbally for our records.  Food and water must be accessible to the animal at all times, unless otherwise indicated by the veterinarian.
4. Ensure that the animal is urinating and defecating normally, in sufficient quantity and consistency, odor, color. Note these observations in the detailed report (ANNEX IV).
5. The animal can come out of quarantine when all the elements are normal.

BEHAVIOR OF FOSTER FAMILY

6. All members of the foster family must speak softly and gently touch the animal so he may understand that he will receive affection (some animals were victims of brutality and abuse and may be fearful for some time in your company and until they understand that they can trust you; other animals may remain distant and will not want to be manipulated. We should then not force their affection).

MEETING THE OTHER ANIMALS

After a few days and if the animal appears calm and disposed to explore his whereabouts, he can be introduced to the other cats, one at a time, if you have any, so as not create any anxiety or stress.  If the first contact is positive, the new cat can be allowed to walk around freely with the others. If you have dogs or other animals, make sure that they cannot attack each other. AnimEscape is at your complete disposal to support you in the familiarization stage for the pensioner. Success will depend on the quality of the stay and a positive and pleasant experience for the foster family.   

SAFETY

7. You are RESPONSIBLE for the well being of the animal in your care and for any difficulty, you will contact AnimEscape who is engaged to provide all necessary assistance.

DAMAGES

AnimEscape will not be held responsible for any material damages which may be caused by the animal. In addition, no cat shall ever be sent outdoors.


BECOMING A FOSTER FAMILY FOR OTHER SPECIES

VACCINATION

Your animals MUST all be vaccinated including kennel cough for dogs and rhinotracheitis for cats, prior to accepting any pensioner.  As such, AnimEscape will request a copy of updated vaccine reports for your animals (by fax or courier, or your authorization to contact your vet along with name and telephone number).

QUARANTINE AND SAFETY MEASURES

Whether a rodent, a lagomorph (rabbit), a bird or other non feline or canine species, we must always be aware that certain species are carriers of germs which are undetectable to the naked eye.  Consequently, it is indispensable that you do not allow your children to manipulate these animals. For your protection, you may want to wear latex gloves (available at the pharmacy).

THIS RULE MUST BE STRICLTY ADHERED TO : BEFORE and AFTER handling an animal, the person responsible for the animal must carefully wash their hands and disinfect them with antibacterial liquids available in pharmacies.

All animals must be isolated for the first 24 hours in calm surroundings in order to become acquainted with their new living conditions. Following the quarantine period, the animal may be introduced to your animals, one at a time if no aggression is noted in either part.  The foster family must be aware that they are responsible for the SAFETY of the pensioner at all times. 
For the most part, it would be impossible to allow these animals to circulate freely at all times. Meanwhile, we hope that small rodents, rabbits and others can benefit from a few minutes/hours of freedom under daily and constant surveillance.

Furthermore no animal will be placed in the same tank or cage as another.  Keep the animal isolated in his individual habitat at all times.  When the animal is removed from his habitat (rabbit, rodent, reptile, bird AND if the legal guardian so consents), he must be kept alone during the outing and all danger imperatively kept at bay (accessible electric wires, (rodents and rabbits), mirrors (birds), small children and other animals. The foster family is responsible for the safety and well being of the animals taken in and must therefore ensure constant surveillance during these periods of liberty.

BASIC EXAMINATION

1. Examine the animal (rodent, lagomorph) to verify that he is not a carrier of
of ticks, flees or other parasites (this simple verification can be done by firmly scratching the abdominal fur above a white piece of paper and checking the fallout; check the ears for cleanliness, whether stool residues are attached to the rectum and if the eyes are runny).  Record your observations in the detailed report (ANNEX IV).  Please contact us should you wish to know how to go about this basic examination. For reptiles, fish and birds, note all wounds, abnormal color, bleeding, swelling, etc. and record in the detailed report (ANNEX IV)
2. During the “quarantine” period, the animals must be able to urinate and defecate in your presence but away from all other animals.  You must observe and note the presence of worms in the stool and inform us immediately (do not let your animals nor any member of your family close and throw out of the house immediately (it is preferable to place a sample stool in a hermetically sealed container and keep it in a cool place. Contact us so that we may arrange for a visit to the vet as quickly as possible for an appropriate treatment). There exist however, parasites which are invisible to the naked eye. If in doubt, conserve a sample in a cool place and in a hermetically sealed container which we may subsequently submit to a lab for examination.
3. You must measure the quantity of food and water intake by the animal and record it the detailed report (ANNEX IV) which we will provide for you. This information must be transmitted to us via e-mail or verbally for our records. Fresh water must be available at all times and food must be provided as per the instructions of the legal guardian.
4. Ensure that the animal is urinating and defecating normally, in sufficient quantity and consistency, odor, color. Note these observations in the detailed report.

BEHAVIOR OF FOSTER FAMILY

5. All members of the foster family must speak softly and gently touch the animal so he may understand that he will receive affection (some animals were victims of brutality and abuse and may be fearful for some time in your company and until they understand that they can trust you. Other animals may remain distant and will not want to be manipulated. We should then not « force » their affection).

SAFETY OF THE ANIMAL

6. The animals must never go outdoors by themselves and must always be held by a leash or protected by a comfortable and large enough cage, disposing food and water appropriate for the species.   In the summer, the cage must provide shade and be placed in a cool spot. 

AnimEscape is at your entire disposal to offer support in this stage of familiarization for the pensioner. Success will depend on the quality of the stay for the animal and from a positive and pleasant experience for the foster family.

DAMAGES
AnimEcale will not be held responsible for any material damages which may be caused by the animal to the furniture, house or land.


BECOMING A FOSTER FAMILY  - GENERALITIES




ANNEX I – EVALUATION OF FOSTER FAMILY

The person responsible for the foster family needs to complete an evaluation questionnaire (as shown in Annex I)
The residential address and telephone number of the foster family as well as those of AnimEscape are strictly confidential and they must never be divulged to the clients. Knowing that, in general 7 to 8 women out of 10 staying in a shelter will eventually return to the abusive spouse, it is thus for the security of all involved not to divulge any addresses.  We will gladly respond to any query, should you wish additional information on this topic.

For each temporary fostering of an animal, the family or individual must equally complete the fostering agreement, wherein the details of engagement for both parties are explained.








ANNEX II – CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

In addition, should there be a need to come to AnimEscape, the family must sign the Confidentiality Agreement (Annex II)










GUARDIANSHIP TERMS

AnimEscape (or the client) MUST provide you with a copy of the animal’s medical record (health certificate or veterinarian’s coordinates) to inform of vaccination dates (booster shots) and sterilization for dogs, rabbits or cats staying at the mission.

TRAVEL

The foster family understands that the animal they will need to travel in order to take temporary guardianship of the animal, for visits to the vet if necessary, for the PausANImale meetings if requested and finally to return the animal to his family when the time comes.

AT NO TIME, must the foster family intervene or provide any advice to the women and children they meet with regards to any PERSONAL measures they will take. On the other hand, we must listen to the client if speaks of her pain while always suggesting they deal with their emotions by speaking with their social worker. Our role is to watch over the well being of the animals and we must not interfere in the families’ process of regaining control.

LENGTH OF STAY

Each case being different, AnimEscape cannot be certain of the length of time the animal will remain under foster care.  It can be as short as a few weeks or as long as a few months, averaging approximately three (3) months. 

EXPENSES INCURRED

For all incurred expenses previously authorized by AnimEscape, the foster family must remit original invoices for reimbursement.  These invoices are kept for our accounting and fiscal records.

CORRESPONDANCE

The foster family must maintain an e-mail address for responding to questions from the families and/or for corresponding with the shelter where the family resides as well as with AnimEscape. Should you deem it necessary, you may accept to give out a cell phone number, although we insist that you never divulge your home telephone number (unless confidential and non-listed) as it can be easily traced.
MEDICAL CARE
Should any of the animals cared need vet care or medication, the foster family agrees to respect the dosage, the frequency, manner of administering and surveillance.
HYGIENE
IMPORTANT: BEFORE and AFTER all handling of an animal, the responsible person MUST carefully wash and disinfect their hands with antibacterial liquids sold in drugstores
FORMS
The foster family must understand the necessity to maintain an updated file for each animal in its care and consents to perform this task with diligence and precision. Form will be available shortly!
FORMS USED DURING THE GUARDIANSHIP
GUARDIANSHIP

The following is a chronology of the of the guardianship process:

1. We have contacted you to describe the animal and its characteristics

2. You have accepted temporary guardianship

3. With the information we have transmitted to you regarding the animal and the legal guardian, you will prepare the kit which you will bring with you at the time you pick up of the animal (shelter, police station, presbytery, or any other place which is mutually safe and comfortable, etc.)  The kit includes:
- the admission form, in two copies (one for your records, the other for the legal guardian)
- Consent to sterilization form (if the animal is fertile and the legal guardian agrees to the intervention)
- The “Message letter from the founder”
- The letter of presentation to the clients for one or for several animals
- An ink pen for signature of required documents
- A transport cage in the even the legal guardian does not have one

4. You bring the animal home and follow the instructions for isolation and the surveillance required for the first 24 hours of the stay.

5. You will take the animal to the designated vet (or as per agreement) for a vaccination if required

6. You will visit the vet for vaccine updates when required.

7. You will diligently respect the vet’s instructions (dosage, frequency, mode of administering, etc) for treatment, medications, etc.


8. You will agree with the legal guardian (e-mail or cell phone) to one or several “PausANImale encounters, according to the duration of the stay for the animal and you will ALWAYS transport the animal in an appropriate carrier.

9. When the legal guardian is ready to regain custody the animal, you agree to meet with her and bring the following with you:
- the animal in a transport cage and all the material given to you by the legal guardian at the time of admission.
- Food for approx 1 week which will help the legal guardian make a gradual
transition should she decide to switch.
- 2 copies of the detailed report (which the foster family and the legal guardian
will sign). You will keep one copy and remit the second copy to the legal
guardian
- The departure form in duplicate (which the foster family and the legal
guardian will sign).  You will keep one copy and remit the second copy to the
legal guard
- An ink pen to sign the forms

10. At the end of the stay, you must mail a copy of all reports relevant to the animal to AnimEscape.  You may prefer to scan them and e-mail to us.

Following the departure

We fully understand that you will miss your little guest. It is practically impossible not to become sentimentally attached to them and therefore only normal to feel a sense of loss and absence following the departure.  The only consoling solution we have found is to welcome another one…

AUTHORIZED EXPENSES

During the fostering, it may become necessary to buy food, accessories, medication, veterinary services, etc.

To obtain reimbursement of these fees, it is essential that you get our consent PRIOR to purchasing any service or material. We (the AnimEscape or the legal owner of the animal) might not agree with some unecessary expenses and may choose not to reimburse them. It is then essential to discuss any expense before you buy items or services.

You must carefully keep all invoices paid, which are needed for accounting and fiscal pruposes; you either give us hand to hand or mail these invoices and we will reimburse all the authorized fees, either by cheque or in cash.

Should you wish to make these purchases a donation, we will gladly give you a tax donation receipt for all the expenses paid, with our deepest gratitude.

You will understand that we cannot reimburse some fees, such as travel, meals for yourself, tolls, etc.