Foster Agreement

    Arizona Chihuahua Rescue – Foster Agreement



    Foster Information

    Foster Agreement

    I, (“Foster”), hereby enter into this Foster Agreement (“Agreement”) with Arizona Chihuahua Rescue (AZCR), a nonprofit organization, and acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions. I serve as the primary caretaker for the foster dog(s) placed in my custody, and all foster animals shall reside at the physical residence listed above. If this arrangement changes, prior approval from AZCR is required.


    1. Indoor-Only Requirement
    1.1. The foster dog is a companion animal and must live inside the home. Outdoor housing, tethering, or unsupervised yard time is strictly prohibited.

    2. Basic Care Obligations
    2.1. I agree to provide appropriate food, water, shelter, safety, cleanliness, and humane treatment at all times.

    3. Supervision, Control & Home Safety
    3.1. The foster dog shall always remain under my direct control when outdoors, either on a secure leash or within a properly fenced and escape-proof enclosure.
    3.2. I agree to maintain a secure yard and ensure that the foster dog does not have unsupervised access to any swimming pool, hot tub, or other water hazards.
    3.3. I will take all necessary precautions to prevent accidental injury or drowning while the foster dog is in my care.
    3.4 I agree that foster dogs may not visit public dog parks, off-leash areas, or apartment dog runs/shared pet areas.
    3.5 If I live in an apartment, I will keep the foster dog on leash in all shared spaces and prevent contact with unfamiliar dogs and unfamiliar people.
    3.6 I understand these rules protect the foster dog and others, as many AZCR dogs come from unknown or stressful backgrounds.
    3.7 I agree that while an AZCR foster dog is in my home, I will not foster, board, or house dogs from any other rescue organization without Board approval. This is to ensure safety, reduce
    risk, and prevent conflicts between rescue policies.

    4. Transportation Requirements
    4.1. The foster dog shall never be transported in the open bed of a pickup truck.
    4.2. All foster dogs must travel in a secured dog car seat, crate, or kennel.
    4.3. When picking up a dog from a shelter, I am required to bring a secure travel kennel.
    4.4. I understand I am responsible for the dog’s safety during transport for AZCR activities, veterinary visits, adoption events, or any personal travel.
    4.5. I must ensure the foster dog is never left unattended in a vehicle or exposed to unsafe conditions during transport.
    4.6 I understand that if I transport an AZCR dog, I am required to have a valid driver’s license and maintain personal automobile insurance, as AZCR’s insurance does not replace or act as personal auto coverage.

    5. Veterinary Care & Appointments
    5.1. I shall monitor the foster dog's health and promptly notify AZCR of any concerns, abnormalities, or need for veterinary attention.
    5.2. Routine or urgent veterinary appointments shall be scheduled only with AZCR-approved veterinarians as outlined in the AZCR Foster Handbook.
    5.3. In the event of an emergency requiring immediate veterinary care, I shall proceed to obtain care while simultaneously notifying an AZCR board member.
    5.4. I agree to transport or coordinate transport with another AZCR volunteer for all veterinary appointments.
    5.5. I acknowledge it is my responsibility to ensure the dog receives all required veterinary care and that vaccinations remain current for the duration of the foster period.
    5.6. I understand that no foster dog may be adopted until fully vaccinated, sterilized, and microchipped, unless a licensed veterinarian provides written documentation that completing
    one or more of these procedures would be detrimental to the dog’s health.
    5.6.1. Foster-to-Adopt Exception:
    If a foster-to-adopt arrangement is approved by AZCR because the dog cannot yet be fully vetted, I understand that it is my responsibility as the foster parent to ensure the adopter
    completes all remaining required veterinary care. I agree to obtain the required documents proving the dog has been fully vetted and complete the adoption contract with the adopter
    once the vetting is finished.
    5.7. AZCR keeps a complete digital copy of the dog’s records. I understand that the foster dog’s medical and vaccination records may be in my possession. I agree to provide these records to AZCR upon receipt and to maintain a copy to give to the adopter when the dog is adopted.

    6. Health & Behavior Reporting
    6.1. I shall immediately notify an AZCR board member of any illnesses, injuries, significant health issues, notable behavioral changes, dog bites, aggression, or safety concerns.

    7. No Guarantees
    7.1. I acknowledge that AZCR makes no guarantees regarding the health, temperament, behavior, or training of any foster dog.

    8. Collar & Identification Requirements
    8.1. The foster dog shall always wear an appropriate collar with AZCR identification tags unless advised otherwise for safety or medical reasons.

    9. Lost Dog Protocol
    9.1. If the foster dog becomes lost or missing, I shall immediately notify an AZCR board member and follow all instructions provided.

    10. Adoption Events & Networking
    10.1. I agree to bring the foster dog to adoption events as requested and when reasonably available by AZCR.
    10.2. I agree to provide photographs, a detailed biography, and regular updates for use in AZCR’s website, promotional, networking, and social media efforts.

    11. Photographic & Media Release
    11.1. I grant AZCR full permission to capture or use any photographic images, videos, or audio recordings of me and/or the foster dog, including those taken, submitted, or posted online by me (the foster parent).
    11.2. I assign all rights, royalties, and benefits associated with such recordings to AZCR for use in rescue operations, marketing, fundraising, promotion of foster dogs, or any other AZCR-related purposes.

    12. Adoption Process Assistance
    12.1. I agree to review and approve adoption applications for the foster dog to help ensure a good fit.
    12.2. I agree to conduct telephone interviews, coordinate home checks, and transport the foster dog to meet potential adopters as needed.
    12.3. I agree to work with other AZCR volunteers to coordinate home visits, transport, or any other tasks needed to complete the adoption process.

    13. Foster Adoption and Foster-to-Adopt
    13.1. I understand that as a foster parent, I may choose to adopt my foster dog. If I wish to adopt, I agree to notify AZCR as soon as possible for Board approval so the adoption process is not delayed.
    13.2. I understand that I must meet AZCR’s regular adoption requirements, sign an adoption contract, and pay the applicable adoption fee.
    13.3. If the dog is not yet fully vetted (vaccines, sterilization, microchip), I may enter into a Foster-to-Adopt agreement with AZCR. (See Section 5.6 for medical requirements and foster-to-adopt conditions.)
    • Once all requirements are completed, I will sign the final adoption contract and ensure all records are provided to AZCR.
    13.4. I understand that foster-to-adopt placements are not guaranteed and must be approved by AZCR based on the dog’s needs, medical status, and behavior.


    14. Lifetime Commitment
    14.1. AZCR makes a lifetime commitment to each dog in its care. I agree to foster the dog until an approved adoptive home is found. If circumstances arise that prevent me from fulfilling this commitment, I will notify AZCR so the dog can be transferred to another approved foster home.

    15. Foster Return Responsibility
    15.1. I agree to resume custody of the foster dog should it be returned to AZCR after adoption, unless I am no longer associated with AZCR due to termination of this agreement, or extenuating circumstances prevent me from doing so.

    16. Vacation / Temporary Absence Policy
    16.1. If I need to leave town while an AZCR foster dog is residing in my home, I agree to notify AZCR before traveling.
    16.2. AZCR will arrange a temporary foster or boarding placement if needed.
    16.3. AZCR prefers to keep foster dogs in their current environment whenever safely possible. Moving a dog to a new foster home or boarding can be stressful, so AZCR will work with me to determine the least disruptive and safest option.
    16.4 For dogs who do not have a history of aggression or significant behavioral concerns—or dogs who would suffer undue stress if moved—the foster dog may remain in my home under the care of a trusted and AZCR-approved friend, family member, caregiver or pet sitter, provided:
    • AZCR is notified in advance,
    • The caregiver is responsible, reliable, and able to safely follow AZCR’s instructions, and
    • The environment and supervision remain appropriate for the dog’s needs
    16.5. Behavior-risk dogs must be moved to an approved AZCR foster home and may not remain with a casual or unapproved caregiver.
    16.6 I understand that I may be responsible for any incident or damage that occurs while someone else is caring for the foster dog, whether or not the caregiver was approved by AZCR. For this reason, I agree to choose only safe and trustworthy caregivers and to provide them with clear instructions.

    17. No Transfer or Rehoming
    17.1. I understand that all foster dogs are the sole property of AZCR and in my care as a foster only.
    17.2. I shall not sell, abandon, give away, rehome, surrender to a shelter, or transfer the foster dog under any circumstances.

    18. Euthanasia Policy
    18.1. No AZCR dog shall be euthanized without prior approval from the AZCR Board.
    18.2. If a licensed veterinarian recommends euthanasia, I must immediately contact an AZCR board member so they may speak directly with the veterinarian.

    19. Foster’s Personal Pets
    19.1. I confirm that all pets in my home are spayed/neutered and current on vaccinations.
    19.2. I agree to keep my personal pets up to date on all required vaccinations for the entire duration that I am fostering for AZCR.
    19.3 I agree to follow AZCR’s recommended best practices for quarantining new foster dogs for up to fourteen (14) days to reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases. If a full quarantine is not possible due to my home setup, I agree to take reasonable precautions—such as supervised separation, crate rotation, or limited contact—to keep all animals as safe as possible.

    20. Termination & Return of Dog
    20.1. Either party may terminate this Agreement.
    20.2. Upon termination, I shall continue to safely house and care for the dog until AZCR can arrange retrieval or reassignment.

    21. Final Authority & Best Interest of the Dog
    21.1 I understand that Arizona Chihuahua Rescue’s Board of Directors or designated representatives retain final decision-making authority in all matters related to foster dogs. This includes, but is not limited to, medical care, behavior plans, placement decisions, foster-to-adopt arrangements, temporary care, transfers, and adoption approvals.
    21.2 I understand that all decisions shall be made in the best interest of the dog and the mission of AZCR, with consideration for the safety and welfare of the dog, foster family, volunteers, and the public.

    22. Policies & Procedures
    22.1. I confirm that I have read and agree to comply with all policies outlined in the AZCR Foster Handbook.

    23. Liability Release, Waiver, and Indemnity
    • I understand that my participation with Arizona Chihuahua Rescue is strictly voluntary.
    • I understand that fostering dogs carries inherent risks, including bites, injuries, property damage, or other accidents.
    • I, along with my spouse, heirs, or legal representatives, will not file a claim or lawsuit against AZCR or its directors, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, or representatives because of anything that happens while I am fostering a dog.
    • I release AZCR and its Board, staff, volunteers, and representatives from responsibility for injuries, illnesses, property damage, or other losses caused by the foster dog’s behavior.
    • This release applies even if AZCR was negligent.
    • This release also applies to injuries or damages that occur while the dog is in the temporary care of a friend, family member, pet sitter, or any third party, whether or not AZCR approved the caregiver.
    • I understand that I am responsible for my own vehicle and personal property. AZCR is not responsible for any damage to my vehicle or belongings. I must carry my own automobile insurance when transporting foster dogs.
    • AZCR recommends that foster parents maintain homeowners, renters, or personal liability insurance, as these policies may provide coverage for incidents or injuries involving animals in their care. This recommendation is for general protection and is not a requirement for fostering.
    • I understand that AZCR’s rescue liability insurance includes volunteers and fosters as insured individuals, which means AZCR’s policy may provide coverage for claims involving foster-related activities, as long as I am following AZCR’s guidelines, policies, and safety requirements.
    • AZCR’s insurance is designed to help protect both the rescue and its volunteers/fosters, and AZCR will support the foster in any claim involving a foster dog. However, I understand that—just like in any situation involving animals or visitors—an individual could still be personally named in a claim or lawsuit, even if they ultimately have no responsibility. This is not unique to fostering; it is a general legal reality that applies to all pet owners and households.
    Indemnity:
    • I agree to

    protect and indemnify AZCR and its staff, volunteers, and representatives from any claims, lawsuits, or costs (including attorney fees) that come from:
    1. Anything I do or fail to do while caring for the foster dog;
    2. Any injury, damage, or loss caused by the foster dog;
    3. Any claims made by other people related to the foster dog.


    24. General Provisions
    •     Severability: If any part of this agreement is found invalid or unenforceable, the rest still applies.
    • Scope of Release: These releases and indemnity provisions are intended to be as broad as allowed by law.
    • Entire Agreement: This is the complete understanding between me and AZCR and replaces any previous verbal or written statements about fostering.

    Acknowledgment & Signature

    I have read, understand, and agree to abide by all terms of this Foster Agreement.


    (required)


    Household Adult Acknowledgment
    I acknowledge that I am an adult (18 years or older) residing in the foster household where an Arizona Chihuahua Rescue (AZCR) foster dog is housed. I understand that fostering a dog carries inherent risks, and I agree to comply with all safety rules, policies, and requirements outlined in this Foster Agreement while a foster dog is present in the home.

    I understand that this acknowledgment is intended to confirm that all adults in the household are aware of and agree to follow AZCR’s foster guidelines, even if they are not the primary
    foster parent.
    Adult 1 Information

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    Adult 2 Information

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    Adult 3 Information

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