Tuna’s Guinea Pig Rescue 

Foster Requirements

Foster Requirements

  1. In order to serve as a foster for Tuna’s Guinea Pig Rescue (TGPR), individuals must comply with the following:
  2. All current animals residing in the home or on the property where the foster animals will reside must be up-to-date on state and community required vaccinations. This can include dogs, cats, rabbits and live-stock animals. Fosters may be asked to provide documentation of vaccination.
  3. All current non-guinea pig personal pets must have been seen by an appropriate vet for at least one visit (can be well or sick). TGPR reserves the right to contact veterinary offices to confirm.
  4. All current personal guinea pigs must have been seen by an exotic veterinarian within the last 12 months. TGPR reserves the right to contact veterinary offices to confirm.
  5. Fosters must house foster animals in separate cages than any personal pets and may not be allowed to directly interact unless written permission is granted. Homes with dogs, cats or rabbits must either keep these animals out of the room housing the foster animals or a cage lid must be used. (One will be provided by TGPR)
  6. TGPR must be able to confirm that the “standard of care” meets or exceeds the rescue required standards and the requirements by Virginia State law. This includes temperature, cleanliness and safety of the area where foster animals are housed. TGPR will determine if location meets requirements via photos, videos and home visits. Home visits will be requested at least 24 hours in advance unless there is suspicion of neglect.
  7. All fosters must sign/acknowledge the Foster Contract and Neglect/Abuse Statement. Fosters cannot have any active or pending animal abuse case in any state where TGPR conducts business. Any previous animal abuse case cannot have led to a conviction or fine. Foster also cannot be listed on any DO NOT ADOPT list.

Foster Responsibilities

  1. Foster must agree to the required conditions listed in the Foster Contract. They include:
  2. Guinea pigs can only be housed at the location listed above unless written approval is provided by TGPR. TGPR reserves the right to recover the guinea pigs from the foster home at any time.
  3. Any guinea pigs fostered must be fed, watered and housed appropriately. I agree to provide an adequate and nutritious diet, including any necessary supplements, as recommended by TGPR…Although TGPR will make every attempt to furnish food and/or supplies for foster care volunteers, availability of supplies are limited by donations. TGPR may ask for donations of funds and supplies for the foster guinea pigs. Daily fresh veggies will be the responsibility of the foster.
  4. If veterinary care is required, the foster must alert TGPR prior to seeking care and approving any medical procedure. An exception would be in emergency and lifesaving situations where the life of the guinea pigs is in jeopardy. Note that unapproved medical expenses may not be reimbursed.
  5. Any foster guinea pigs will be adopted to a permanent home only under the supervision of TGPR, to an adopter approved by TGPR, even if the adopter is the foster or a member of their household. No advertisement should be done without approval.
  6. Fosters must contact TGPR if they require help with nail trims and boar cleaning, and will weigh pigs on the required schedule and log in the provided link.
  7. All foster guinea pigs must be housed in either the supplied cage set-up OR an approved enclosure that meets the minimum size requirement. Any cage used that is not provided by TGPR must be approved.
  8. Fosters must be available, within reason, to allow for transport of foster pigs when they are adopted. It is also required that fosters provide current photos and bios upon request.
  9. Fosters MUST regularly handle and inspect their foster animals and report any medical or behavioral issues.
  10. Fosters are required to attend quarterly ALL FOSTER meetings and be available for quarterly home visits and regular communication via FB messenger. Consistent communication between fosters and TGPR staff is necessary for proper care of the foster animals.
  11. Fosters should provide TGPR with a minimum of 30 day’s notice if they need to resign from the volunteer position.
  12. Supply Order and Provided Items
  13. TGPR will supply hay, pellets, vitamin C cookies and Carefresh bedding to fosters once each month.
  14. Fosters can request supplies via the provided link. If a foster opts to not request supplies, they are still required to use approved brands of the above items.
  15. If requested, TGPR will supply a full kit (water bottle, bowl, litter pan, fleece, hides), a Midwest cage and lid. It is the foster’s responsibility to report any damage to the supplied items and return them when fostering is completed.

Annual Recertification

  1. Each calendar year in July all active fosters will be required to recertify. This will include:
  2. Home visit (if not completed in last 2 months)
  3. Acknowledgement/sign of current foster contract
  4. Acknowledgement/sign of current Neglect Statement
  5. Updated vaccination records (as required)
  6. Confirmation of annual vet visit for personal pigs
  7. Fosters can request extensions of waivers of the above, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis.