Maltese Health Foster Care Guidelines
Foster dogs are those that are in a temporary home while Maltese Health seeks a new, permanent home for them. When a Maltese comes into foster care, their owner has already given up all rights to the dog. MH foster homes are required to provide a safe, comfortable, and loving home for the Maltese as long as it is in foster care still when they are ready for adoption by a new loving and caring family. Maltese are a very special, and often fragile, breed of dog, and they require special people to provide a temporary loving home for them. We require all Foster Care applicants to be approved by our organization either by home check, interview or some other method. We thank you for offering to foster for us
Veterinary Care
Maltese Hearts will pay for pre-approved veterinary expenses while the dog is in foster care. The foster dog’s medical needs must be discussed with a MH Board member and all veterinary expenses must be pre-approved, except in the case of a life-threatening emergency. The Board member MUST be notified before the canine goes to the vet with the Veterinarian’s name, address, and phone number unless it is an emergency. This information must be provided immediately following the care in an emergency situation. MH will pay expenses for veterinary care directly to the veterinary clinic providing the service. Have them telephone your contact by phone and approval can be given at that time along with the credit card information. If the contact cannot be reached, and the vet requires the foster parent to pay upon treatment, MH, will reimburse the foster parent for these expenses upon receiving the original vet bill. below.
Why Foster a Maltese?
· A Safe Haven: You take a Maltese out of a stressful shelter environment or an uncertain past and give them a calm, stable home where they can decompress and learn to trust again.
· A Personalized Healing Journey: Many of our rescues need time to heal, both physically and emotionally. As a foster, you help them recover from medical procedures, overcome shyness, or simply learn what it means to be a beloved pet again.
· Invaluable Insight: You become our eyes and ears, helping us learn about the dog’s personality, preferences, and quirks. This information is priceless in matching them with the perfect forever family, ensuring a successful, lifelong adoption.
· The Gift of Space: By fostering one dog, you directly free up a space for us to save another Maltese from a desperate situation. Your action creates a ripple effect of salvation.
What Does a Foster Parent Do?
As a foster, you are the day-to-day hero. We handle the medical care, the adoption process, and provide ongoing support. Your role is to provide:
· A loving, safe, and clean home environment.
· Daily care: food, water, exercise, and companionship.
· Basic training and socialization (housetraining, leash manners, etc.).
· Transportation to and from our approved veterinarians or adoption events (as you are able).
· Most importantly, an abundance of love and patience.
You’re Not Alone: Our Support for You
We understand that fostering is a commitment, and you will have our full support every step of the way. Maltese Heart provides:
· All necessary medical care for the foster dog.
· Food, crates, bedding, and supplies as available.
· Guidance and training advice from our experienced team.
· A dedicated network of fellow fosters for support and advice.
What Does a Foster Parent Do?
You don’t need a mansion or years of experience. You just need a compassionate heart, a stable home, and the willingness to say, “I can help this one.”
The love and gratitude you will receive in return is immeasurable. You will witness a transformation firsthand and know that you played the most important role in writing a happy new chapter for a deserving Maltese.