TERMS

This agreement is made between Maryland Westie Rescue, Inc. ("MWR") and the individual(s) named below (hereinafter "Foster Family") regarding fostering of rescued dogs ("fosters"). This agreement remains in force for any and all future dogs fostered by the Foster Family for MWR, regardless of any hiatus between foster dogs.

The Foster Family understands that all fosters remain the property of MWR and will be surrendered immediately upon request to any board member or authorized representative of MWR. The Foster Family understands and accepts that MWR makes no representation or warranties concerning the health, temperament, behavior, and/or previous ownership of the foster. While the day-to-day care of a foster dog is the responsibility of the Foster Family, MWR maintains the sole right to all major decisions regarding the dog, including medical care and placement in a permanent adoptive home.

Care and Shelter

By signing this agreement, the Foster Family understands that the foster may be in their care for a period of days to months. The Foster Family agrees to provide compassionate and loving care for all foster dogs as long as necessary, until the dog has been successfully placed in a permanent home. This care includes, but is not limited to adequate food, water, shelter, and medication when required.

The Foster Family will work with the foster on basic training, including but not limited to housebreaking and simple commands (e.g. "sit"). The Foster Family will keep the foster primarily inside their home. The Foster Family will ensure the foster wears a securely but comfortably fitting collar or harness with proper identification tags with a readable name and phone number on the tag. (Except in those cases where, at the direction of a veterinarian, a dog should not wear a collar or harness for medical reasons while secured inside). The foster will not be allowed outside without proper adult supervisor, nor outside a securely fenced yard without being leashed securely to a collar or harness.

Medical Treatment

MWR provides standard care such as routine vaccinations, spaying or neutering, heartworm testing, and deworming either before placement in a Foster home or in conjunction with the Foster Family. The Foster Family will notify MWR as soon as possible after discovering any issues of medical significance regarding the foster. Following all veterinary procedures, the Foster Family will send copies of all medical records and bills to MWR. The Foster Family will keep copies of all medical records on file as well.

Once the foster is placed with the Foster Family, all routine, non-emergency veterinary care must be cleared with a MWR board member or authorized representative. Any routine or non-emergency veterinary treatment not previously approved by MWR may not be reimbursed by MWR if paid for by the Foster Family.

In case emergency treatment of the foster is required, the Foster Family will contact a MWR board member or authorized representative for approval, prior to treatment if possible. If the Foster Family cannot contact a MWR board member or authorized representative prior to the required treatment, the Foster Family is authorized to sign for and consent to all reasonable and necessary veterinary procedures. This contract serves as proof of such authority.

Reimbursement for Expenses

MWR does not reimburse Foster Families for the routine care of fosters, including but not limited to food, toys, and typical dog supplies. MWR does reimburse Foster Families for routine (pre-approved) and emergency medical care if receipts are provided within 30 days of payment.

To receive reimbursement, the Foster Family must submit all receipts within 30 days of payment to the MWR Treasurer at P.O. Box 68, Spencerville, Maryland, 20868. If receipts are not provided within 30 days of payment, the money spent may be considered a donation to MWR and no reimbursement provided.

Placement of Foster Dog in a Permanent Home

The Foster Family agrees to work cooperatively with MWR to find a permanent, loving home for the foster as quickly as possible. While MWR will take comments or concerns by the Foster Family regarding the potential adoptive home or family into consideration, all decisions regarding final placement of the foster will be made by MWR.

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Foster Agreement

The Foster Family understands and accepts that prospective adoptive families may wish to visit the foster before adoption. The Foster Family agrees to meet with the potential adoptive family at a mutually convenient location. At the sole discretion of MWR, the Foster Family may be authorized to act as an agent for MWR in completing the adoption, including signing the adoption agreement as an authorized representative of MWR.

If the Foster Family decides to adopt the foster, they understand and accept that the procedure for adoption will be the same as for any other applicant. The Foster Family understands and accepts that they may not keep the dog without the approval and consent of the MWR Board.

The Foster Family understands and accepts that the foster is and shall remain the sole property of MWR. The Foster Family further understands and acknowledges that they do not have any right or authority to keep or place the foster dog in other homes or with other individuals on a permanent or temporary basis, except with the authorization and approval of MWR.

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By submitting this electronic application, I certify that I have read the above information carefully and have filled out this application/agreement honestly. I understand that omission of information and/or failure to answer all questions and/or sign the application can result in this application being denied. Also, if an omission or untruth is discovered during a foster situation, I understand that Maryland Westie Rescue reserves the right to immediately remove the dog from my care. Should such a situation lead to legal process, I agree I am solely responsible for all costs, including attorney fees and court costs.

I understand that prior to being approved to provide foster care in my home, all of the above information will be verified, and by signing this, I give my permission for this verification.

I agree to a home and yard visit if it is required and also to a personal interview with a member of this rescue effort or their agent to determine the suitability of my home/facility to care for a dog.

I further agree that if at any time, in the opinion of Maryland Westie Rescue (or an agent), that it is to the benefit of the dog's well being to be removed from my care, I will relinquish said dog immediately and without negative incident. Should such a situation lead to legal process, I agree I am solely responsible for all costs, including attorney fees and court costs.

I fully understand and agree to assume all risks involved in any and all duties that I perform on behalf of Maryland Westie Rescue, Inc., as a volunteer. I agree to hold Maryland Westie Rescue, Inc., harmless and not responsible for any injury(s) that I might sustain during the course of my volunteer activities. This waiver includes the above understanding for myself, all of my family members and the descendants of such forever from seeking any legal action whatsoever against Maryland Westie Rescue, Inc., or its representatives.