It is strongly recommended that you print this page for future reference please read this page completely before actually submitting any pets needing a foster home. We retain the right to decline any request if requirements are not adhered to except in rare situations.
General Overview
Homeless veterans needing pet foster home assistance and are receiving a “hand up” via a VA or VA approved “Homeless Veteran Transition Program” where we work with the assigned case/social worker to ensure that when the veteran has appropriate housing where he/she can have their pets, the pets are reunited with their owner.
Foster Term
- Foster term variable depending on services provided which can be between 2– 9 months
Pet Requirements
Each pet being submitted for assistance via the fostering program must be:
- Altered (spay or neutered) and cannot have major aggressive issues. See our “Altered Pet” policy HERE for further details
- Must be current on all required vaccinations including Bordetella
- Recommend pet be Micro-chipped though not required
- If Canine, then Heartworm test results must be negative
- If Feline, then Feline Leukemia test results must be negative
Submission Requirements
The following is required by the legal pet owner (Please read and follow as required):
Step 1. Assigned “Case Worker” or “Social Worker” or “Primary Care Manager” (PCM) calls our national office (254) 248-1818.
Step 2. VA or VA approved program “Assigned Case Worker” or “Assigned Social Work” or “Primary Care Manager” (PCM) – completes and submits the following MPA Request form to our National Office.
Step 3 . Legal Pet Owner Submits appropriate pet submission on a per pet basis (one submission per pet being submitted) – Foster Term 2+ months
Other Type of Pet Submission Form
Note: The appropriate pet submission form is Not submitted until after our MPA representative has spoken with the appropriate VA or VA approved program “Case Worker” or “PCM”.
Step 4. Copy of each submitted pet’s current veterinarian records which provides:
(1) Vaccinations are current including Rabies Certificate
(2) The pet is neutered
(3) Has been tested for Heartworm (canines) or Feline Leukemia (felines) in the last 6 months with negative results
(4) The pet is Micro-chipped
We do not require a pet entering our program to be Micro-chipped, but we recommend it as an additional safety precaution. The veterinarian’s office may send requested records to our national office directly with your permission.
Note: Item 4 to be faxed to our National office via Fax # 877-788-8048 (or e-mailed as an attachment to militarypetprofile@gafsp.org as soon as possible so the assigned coordinator can begin to assist you.
Other Responsibilities
In addition, the legal military/veteran pet owner or their authorized representative is responsible for the following:
1. Respond to phone calls or e-mails from the assigned Coordination Liaison as quickly as possible. In delay to do so may impact how quickly we can assist. If you have not received a reply to calls or e-mails to the Coordination Liaison after a 48 hour time period, please contact our National office via e-mail, info@gafsp.org
E-mail Subject Line: (State) – (MSM Last Name) – (Pet Name)
Example: IL – Jones – Pet Rover
2. Participate in a “Meet & Greet” with the potential foster home between you, your pet, the family, and their pets to determine if this is a good fit for your pet and they are comfortable caring for your pet or pets.
3. If both parties are comfortable then you and the chosen foster home are required to prepare and sign the Fostering Written Agreement (FWA). The “FWA” will be provided as an attachment to the “Meet & Greet” e-mail to both the legal military pet owner and the chosen Foster Home. Be sure to read the whole agreement and any questions should be directed to the assigned Foster Coordination Liaison (FCL).
Note: The “FWA” is a binding document for all parties involved so please complete all required information. Each party needs to retain a copy of the prepared/signed document.
4. The Foster Home caregiver is to fax a copy of the prepared/signed document to our National office (Fax 877-788-8048) within 5 days after the pet or pets are placed in the foster home.
Failure to prepare and sign the FWA will be recognized as between you and the foster home only and outside of the Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet area of responsibility or ability to assist with any issues that may arise during the foster term. For your protection and that of your pet, an FWA is required to be prepared and signed by both parties.