PACT
SUMMARY OF MILITARY FOSTER AGREEMENT
Individuals who volunteer to foster through PACT agree to provide safe, caring, humane homes for the pets of soldiers and military personnel from within 60 miles of Philadelphia, PA, who are deployed in active service with the United States Armed Forces. Fosters agree to provide long-term temporary care for pets, without expectation of, or right to, monetary payment or compensation of any kind; rather, Fosters agree to provide such care in exchange for animal companionship and in order to support the efforts of deployed Americans who must leave behind their beloved pets.
Fosters agree to provide food, shelter, fresh water, care, supervision, exercise, love, and attention for the animal with which they are matched, and commit to send the deployed service member to whom the pet belongs textual and photographic status updates, at least monthly, as well as video updates when possible. Fosters also agree to cover day-to-day care costs unless otherwise agreed-upon with the owner. Where possible, PACT may be able to make arrangements for discounted supplies, grooming, and veterinary care.
Fosters should understand, while they may enjoy the companionship and love of a pet for the term of deployment, each pet will be reunited with the owner upon his or her return from deployment. The fostering agreement involves no transfer of ownership rights and terminates when the owner returns and is reunited with his or her animal. However, after the owner returns, and is reunited with his or her animal, if desired by the Foster, the Foster will be allowed to continue a relationship with the pet through personal visits at times convenient to the owner and Foster.
PACT recognizes the patriotism and good will of those who agree to care for pets belonging to deployed military personnel and has prepared the following document for the protection of all parties including, but not limited to, the volunteer Foster, the deployed military service member, and PACT.
Initial: _____ (O); _____ (F).Page 1 of 12
This agreement is completed on _____ day of ______, 20___ between PEOPLE/ANIMALS = COMPANIONS TOGETHER (hereinafter “PACT”), and ______(hereinafter “Owner”), and ______(hereinafter “Foster”) for the care of Owner’s companion animal, ______, (hereinafter “Animal”) described in Attachment 1, while Owner is deployed in connection with active service in the United States Armed Forces.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Agreement is to provide for a safe, healthy, and happy environment for Owner’s Animal while Owner is deployed as part of his/her active duty military service. Foster agrees to care for Animal in accordance with the terms of this agreement and to provide a safe, humane, and loving home for Animal while Owner is deployed. Owner agrees, if capable, to resume care of Animal upon his or her return from deployment.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF MILITARY FOSTER PROGRAM
- Ownership and Care: Foster agrees to care for Owner’s animal while Owner is on military deployment. Foster will return Animal to Owner after Owner notifies Foster of his / her return to the area. Owner retains ownership of Animal during deployment.
- Term of Agreement:Owner’s out of area deployment is scheduled from _____ / _____ / ______(MM/DD/YYYY) to approximately _____ / _____ / ______. Foster agrees to care for animal during this period. Foster understands that Owner’s return may be delayed and therefore intends, as long as is practicable, to care for Animal for the entire deployment, even if it exceeds the period specified in this agreement. Owner agrees to notify Foster of his / her return within thirty (30) days of return from deployment and arrange for the return of Animal to Owner. Upon notice, Animal should be returned to Owner as soon as practicable for all parties, within 30 days of receiving notice of Owner’s return. Owner understands that Foster is not obligated to care for Animal indefinitely.
- Extension of Agreement: Owner may extend the foster term if Owner gives written notice to PACT and Foster at least thirty (30) days prior to the end of the stated foster term that he/she needs to extend the duration of this written Agreement for up to an additional _____ days / months (circle). If Owner does so, then this Agreement will continue for the additional time.
- Owner Unwilling to Resume Care: If Owner does not resume care of Animal within 30 days after Owner provides notice of his/her return from deployment or if Owner refuses to resume care of Animal in writing upon Owner’s non-temporary return from deployment, then Owner relinquishes any claim, right, title or interest in Animal, and the entire ownership interest in Animal passes to PACT. If ownership of Animal passes to PACT, PACT may exercise complete discretion as to what to do with Animal including, but not limited to, consideration of Owner's stated preference, offering first right of refusal of ownership to Foster, or placement in a new permanent home approved by PACT. Any change in ownership in Animal will comply with other contractual obligations involving adoption contracts from rescue groups, humane societies, animal shelters, etc.
- Owner Unable to Resume Care: If Owner is not able to resume care of Animal due to physical or mental injury sustained during deployment, Foster, PACT, and Owner will work together to extend Foster’s care of Animal with the consent of all parties. If Owner determines that he or she is no longer able to care for Animal because of disability, Owner must notify all parties in writing. Upon such a writing, the entire property interest in Animal transfers to PACT. If Owner is not able to resume care due to death, the entire property interest in Animal transfers to PACT. If ownership of Animal passes to PACT, PACT will offer first right of refusal of ownership to Foster. Any change in ownership in Animal will comply with other contractual obligations involving adoption contracts from rescue groups, humane societies, animal shelters, etc.
- Owner on Temporary Leave: If Owner returns within 60 miles of Philadelphia, PA, for temporary leave, Foster will relinquish Animal to Owner within two (2) days of written notice. Owner will provide Foster with at least two (2) days notice of Owner’s expected return to deployment. Foster agrees to resume care of animal when Owner returns to deployment from temporary leave. The term of this Agreement is not affected by Owner’s temporary leave. Owner should provide Foster with as much advance notice on dates of leave as possible, given the circumstances.
- Foster’s Obligations During Care:
- Communication with Owner while deployed: While Owner is deployed, Foster will provide Owner with regular updates, not less than one (1) update per month on Animal’s well-being, recent activities, and care in Foster’s home. Foster’s update should include a text update and photographs, and/or video, if possible. Foster should openly communicate positive stories and any problems or issues with Animal, understanding that Owner may not have regular access to communication and may not be able to regularly respond.
- Adequate and Humane Treatment: Foster agrees to provide Animal with a safe, humane, and loving home. Foster agrees to:
(i)Provide Animal with adequate shelter, food, fresh water, care, supervision, exercise, love, and attention.
(ii)Provide adequate veterinary and grooming care, subject to the conditions below. Adequate veterinary care includes annual veterinary check-ups and vaccinations.
(iii)Provide Animal with adequate heartworm protection.
(iv)Keep a buckle or Martindale-type collar on the Animal at all times. The collar must have the following ID tags:
(1)Foster’s phone numbers and address,
(2)Owner’s phone number,
(3)PACT’s phone number (610-581-4141) and PACT’s animal ID number,
(4)Medical tags including rabies tags,
(5)Local licensing tags including those required by law, and
(6)Any other identification tags requested by Owner.
(v)Not use a choke or training collar except during walks and trainings and as previously authorized by Owner in writing.
(vi)Never chain or tie up Animal outdoors.
(vii)Not let Animal off leash outdoors except in a safe, secure fenced-in area. Foster shall not use an invisible fence without the prior written consent of Owner. Foster shall not use an invisible fence without previously training Animal.
(viii)Keep cats indoors only while in Foster’s care.
(ix)Not leave the Animal unattended in a car if above 70 degrees outside temperature.
(x)Not violate any laws or ordinances regarding the Animal.
(xi)Not use the Animal for protection, fighting, or as a guard dog.
(xii)Not alter the appearance of Animal without prior written permission of Owner. This includes de-clawing, ear cropping, tail docking, or other permanent alterations to the Animal’s appearance.
(xiii)Foster agrees to contact PACT in the event he / she becomes unable to fulfill the anticipated foster term or otherwise becomes unable to provide a healthy and safe environment for Animal, and further agrees to provide PACT a reasonable amount of time to transfer Animal to another foster home approved by PACT.
- Veterinary, Grooming, and Boarding Care:
(i)Owner and Foster will, prior to Animal placement with Foster, complete Attachment 2 governing veterinary, grooming, and boarding of Animal during Foster’s Care.
(ii)Owner agrees to provide Foster with a copy of the Animal’s veterinary records as Attachment 4 to this Agreement, including copies of all vaccinations, licenses, and tags ten (10) days prior to placement.
(iii)Scheduled Care: Owner and Foster must agree on a method of payment and a schedule of regular veterinary care and grooming care, if necessary, for Animal in Attachment 2.
(iv)Boarding: Owner and Foster must agree on method of payment and conditions of Boarding of Animal in Attachment 2.
(v)Unscheduled Care: Generally, Foster should obtain prior written approval from Owner before obtaining any unscheduled veterinary care. However, Foster may obtain Veterinary Care without the prior written consent of Owner pursuant to the following conditions:
(1)Care is warranted and obtaining the consent of Owner would cause undue delay in obtaining care for the animal or obtaining consent of Owner is impossible within a reasonable time.
(2)Owner promises to reimburse Foster up to $ ______. ___ for unscheduled care permitted under this Agreement. If care exceeds this amount, and Foster is unable to contact Owner to obtain a promise of reimbursement for the higher amount, and postponement of such unscheduled care would be life-threatening to Animal, then Foster is authorized at Foster’s option: to pay such higher amount or to have Animal euthanized or to surrender possession of Animal to PACT.
(3)Foster and PACT reserve the right to euthanize Animal if a veterinarian deems the animal’s health to be so impaired that sustaining Animal would be inhumane.
- PACT’s right of entrance and inspection: In non-emergency situations, PACT may visit Animal and observe the conditions of Foster’s care with reasonable notice to Foster. If PACT has reason to believe that Foster is violating this agreement, or that the health or safety of Animal is threatened, PACT may inspect wherever Foster is caring for Animal, enter Foster’s property, and evaluate the condition of Animal. Notice to Foster is not required under these circumstances. PACT may remove Animal if PACT reasonably believes removal is necessary to secure proper care for Animal. If PACT removes the Animal over concerns about Animal’s safety, Foster abdicates all rights provided for in this agreement. PACT may then place Animal with another approved Foster and notify Owner of the change.
- Expenses: Foster agrees to pay regular expenses for Animal while Animal is in Foster’s care, unless otherwise noted in the “Terms of Care” (Attachment 2). Regular expenses include food, toys, and bedding. Veterinary, grooming, and boarding expenses are to be paid as agreed to by the Parties in the “Terms of Care” (Attachment 2”)
- Owner’s Obligations:
- Provision of Adequate Information to Foster: Owner shall provide Foster with all information necessary for Foster to comply with the terms of this Agreement. That information should be provided in the forms attached to this agreement and in any supporting documentation necessary. This includes information regarding the daily care of Animal and any particular or special needs of Animal, including dietary restrictions, veterinary needs, grooming requirements. Owner must disclose if animal has shown any signs of aggression towards animals, children, or other people.
- Continued relationship with and visitation rights of Foster: This agreement terminates upon Owner’s non-temporary return from deployment and resumed permanent possession of Animal from Foster. However, Foster shall be permitted to visit the Animal, if Foster desires a continued relationship with the Animal, Owner agrees to make a good faith effort to allow for scheduled visits between Foster and Animal, with sufficient notice from Foster. If regular visits are not practicable for either party, Owner may, at their option, provide narratives and photo updates to Foster once Animal returns to Owner’s care. After Owner returns, any ongoing contact between Animal and Foster remains at Owner’s discretion.
- Donation to PACT: PACT is supported solely by contributions and receives no federal funding. While we do provide this program free of charge, we suggest a donation be made to PACT in the name of your companion animal(s) as an expression of gratitude for offering this foster program. Your donation helps cover some of our expenses such as gas, marketing and promotional materials paid by PACT. All donations are greatly appreciated and desperately needed to fund our non-profit organization and are fully tax deductible.
(i)Donations can be made by cash, check or money order directly payable to PACT, or thru our website by credit card or PayPal.
- Liability and Damages:
- Non-liability: If Animal dies, becomes ill, is accidentally injured, or lost, Owner will not hold Foster or PACT liable. Owner releases Foster and PACT from any claim arising from such death, injury, or illness. In addition, if Animal bites, attacks, or injures another animal or person, Owner will hold harmless, indemnify, and protect Foster and PACT from any claim or suit filed by anyone as a result of such an incident. Foster agrees to hold Owner blameless for any injury sustained to him/herself or his/her dependants or property or anyone on his property as a result of Animal’s actions.
- Non-liability of PACT: Parties agree that PACT is not liable for any harm or damage arising from the relationship created by this agreement.
- Modification of Agreement: This Agreement and its attachments constitute the entire agreement of the parties. No oral promises or representations by the parties may change the terms of this agreement. Changes to this agreement may only be changed in writing signed by all parties.
- Attachments 1 – 4 are incorporated into this Agreement by reference.
- The Parties agree to these terms and promise to uphold their obligations under this Agreement, including its Attachments. Owner and Foster also promise and certify that all information provided in this Agreement, including its Attachments, and other relevant applications and documents in connection with this Agreement are complete, accurate, and truthful.
- Pet Owner hereby grants permission for photo images of his/her pet to be used in PACT newsletter, organizational literature/promotional pieces or on its website.
- This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Name - printed (PACT) ______
Signature (PACT) ______
Date______
Name - printed (Owner) ______
Signature (Owner) ______
Date______
Name – printed (Foster) ______
Signature (Foster) ______
Date______
ATTACHMENT 1: ANIMAL INFORMATION
Attach copies of licenses, tags, microchip information, and any adoption contract.
PACT Animal ID #:______
Animal’s Name: ______
Species:______; Breed/Mix:______
Circle: Male / FemaleSpayed / Neutered [required]: Y / N
Color(s): ______
Physical Description (include whether, tail docked, ears cropped, etc.): ______
______
______
License Number (Indicate Jurisdiction and Number): ______
______
Micro-chipped? Y / N; Notified microchip company of Foster’s contact info? Y / N
Indicate Animal’s ID number, microchip company name, phone number, and email: ______
______
______
Is there a Rescue Group / Organization with a Proprietary Interest in Animal?[1] Y / N
Organization Name: ______
Organization Phone # and email: ______
Rescue Group ID Number:______
Temperament: Please describe your pet’s temperament, including any known aggression to animals, people, or children: ______
______
______
ATTACHMENT 2: EXPENSES; VETERINARY, GROOMING, AND BOARDING INFORMATION
Owner and Foster must agree on the terms of care for Animal during foster care, including responsibility for expenses. Veterinary, grooming, and pet supplies may be available at a discount through PACT’s relationship with different vendors.
- Regular expenses: Foster will be responsible for regular expenses, including food, toys, treats, bedding, etc., relating to the care of Animal unless otherwise agreed to.
- Veterinary and Grooming Expenses:
- Will Owner or Foster be responsible for regular veterinary expenses, including regular medication, heartworm, flea/tick prevention? Circle: Owner / Foster
- If Owner agrees to be responsible:
- Owner agrees to set up a billing account with the agreed upon veterinary provider prior to foster care.
- Owner agrees to purchase and provide to Foster the required heartworm and flee/tick medication.
- Does Animal require professional grooming? Y / N (Circle). PACT maintains a relationship with Buzzy’s Bow Wow Meow, and Buzzy’s Bow Wow Meow will provide grooming care to Animals in Foster Care at cost.
- If yes, Animal will be groomed ______[number of times] per ______[time period] by the groomer listed below.
- Will Owner or Foster be responsible for regular grooming expenses? Circle: Owner / Foster
- If Owner agrees to be responsible: Owner will set up a □ billing account with the agreed upon groomer or □ agrees to provide Foster $ ______. ____ on a ______ly basis to cover grooming expenses.
- Boarding Expenses: Owner authorizes Foster to board animal at the authorized boarding facility listed below, for up to ______days total during Owner’s deployment.
- Will Owner or Foster be responsible for regular boarding expenses? Circle: Owner / Foster
- If Owner will be responsible, Owner agrees to reimburse Foster up to $______. ____ within 30 days of Animal’s boarding.