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Peach State Rescue, Inc.

Foster Agreement – Terms and Conditions

Thank you for your interest in fostering with us! Fostering is a vital part of our mission to help pets find their forever homes. By becoming a foster parent, you provide temporary care and love that helps pets transition successfully to permanent adoption. Please review the following terms and conditions for fostering.

This Foster Agreement (“Agreement”) outlines the terms and conditions under which the undersigned (“Foster”) agrees to provide temporary care for animals (“Animal” or “Animals”) belonging to Peach State Rescue, Inc. (“the Rescue”), a Georgia-based non-profit organization operating under the authority and licensing requirements of the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

This Foster Agreement shall be maintained on file at Peach State Rescue, Inc.'s licensed address, and a copy of this Agreement shall be maintained at the Foster Home's address/online/email.

1. Purpose, Authority & Licensing Context

1.1. The Rescue is a licensed animal rescue in compliance with all applicable Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) regulations. 1.2. Under Georgia Rule 40-13-13, a “Foster Home” is defined as any location providing temporary care for animals (excluding equines) under written contract with a licensed shelter or rescue. 1.3. The Rescue, as the license holder, is responsible for ensuring that all foster homes comply with state rules and must conduct at least two inspections per year of foster home premises. 1.4. The Rescue may limit the number of animals placed in each foster home based on available space, foster experience, and capacity as determined by the Rescue or the GDA Commissioner.

2. Animal Assignment & Records

2.1. The Rescue will provide the Foster with an animal identified by name, species, sex, age, microchip or ID number, vaccination records, spay/neuter status, and known medical history. 2.2. The Foster must maintain written records of intake and release dates, animal identification, and care logs, which must be made available to the Rescue and/or the GDA upon request. 2.3. The Foster may not transfer, rehome, or surrender the Animal to any other individual or entity without written authorization from the Rescue.

2.4. All foster animals remain the sole property of Peach State Rescue, Inc. until a final adoption, transfer, or other authorized outgoing animal transaction has been completed. The Foster Home acquires no ownership rights to any foster animal under this Agreement.

2.5. If either Peach State Rescue, Inc. or the Foster Home terminates this Agreement, the Foster Home shall make the foster animal(s) available for return, and Peach State Rescue, Inc. shall remove the animal(s) from the Foster Home as soon as reasonably possible.

2.6. Upon request by Peach State Rescue, Inc., the Foster Home shall immediately release possession of any foster animal(s) to an authorized representative of Peach State Rescue, Inc.

3. Foster’s Obligations

3.1 Adequate Housing, Environment & Sanitation

• Animals must be housed in clean, safe, and weatherproof facilities that protect them from heat, cold, wind, rain, flooding, predators, and other hazards.
• Indoor temperatures must remain between 45°F and 85°F, unless the Animal is acclimated or under veterinary direction.
• Proper ventilation must be maintained to minimize odors, drafts, and condensation.
• Enclosures and bedding must be cleaned and disinfected regularly, with waste promptly removed.

3.2 Adequate Food & Water

• Foster must provide nutritionally appropriate, non-contaminated food according to species-specific and veterinarian guidelines.
• Fresh, clean water must be available at all times.
• Garbage, spoiled, or unsafe food shall never be used as a substitute.

3.3 Health & Veterinary Care

• The Foster must assist in scheduling and attending required veterinary exams, including vaccinations, spay/neuter appointments, and follow-ups.
• If the Animal becomes ill or injured, the Foster shall immediately notify the Rescue and follow instructions for approved veterinary care.
• Euthanasia decisions must be made only by the Rescue or its supervising veterinarian.
• The Foster must maintain and submit records of all veterinary visits, medications, and treatments.

3.4 Behavior, Socialization & Training

• The Foster shall provide socialization, exercise, and enrichment appropriate for the Animal’s needs.
• The Foster must prevent dangerous or aggressive behavior and report any aggression, fear reactions, or behavior concerns to the Rescue.
• Training must be based on positive reinforcement only; aversive or punitive methods are strictly prohibited.

3.5 Separation of Animals

• Animals with suspected contagious diseases must be isolated from healthy animals.
• Animals with bite histories or aggressive tendencies must be housed separately as directed by the Rescue.
• The Foster shall follow all quarantine, decompression, and safety guidelines provided by the Rescue (see attached Decompression Guide).

3.6 Approval Required for Intake of Animals

The Foster Home shall not rescue, accept, transport, house, or otherwise take possession of any animal on behalf of Peach State Rescue, Inc. without prior written approval from an authorized representative of Peach State Rescue, Inc.

3.7 Compliance with Laws and Regulations

The Foster Home agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and rules governing the care, housing, transportation, and handling of animals, including but not limited to:

• The Georgia Animal Protection Act, O.C.G.A. § 4-11-1 et seq.;
• Georgia Animal Protection Rules, Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 40-13-13 et seq.;
• The Bird Dealers Licensing Act, O.C.G.A. § 4-10-1 et seq.; and
• Bird Dealers Licensing Rules, Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 40-13-12 et seq.,

as amended from time to time.

3.8 Cooperation with Regulatory Authorities

The Foster Home agrees to cooperate fully with Peach State Rescue, Inc. and any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over animal welfare and shelter operations, including the Georgia Department of Agriculture, regarding inspections, investigations, recordkeeping, and compliance matters.

4. Foster Period, Return & Removal

4.1. This Agreement remains effective until the Animal is adopted, reclaimed, transferred, or this Agreement is terminated. 4.2. The Rescue may reclaim the Animal at any time for cause, including breach of agreement, neglect, safety concerns, or operational necessity. 4.3. The Foster agrees to return the Animal promptly and in good condition (barring illness or injury) upon the Rescue’s request. 4.4. The Foster may terminate this Agreement by providing at least seven (7) days’ notice, allowing time for alternate placement.

5. Eligibility & Foster Home Requirements

• Foster must be 18 years or older and provide a valid government-issued ID.
• All household members must consent to fostering. If renting, landlord approval must be provided.
• The home must provide safe, sanitary, and humane housing conditions that comply with GDA standards.
• Foster pets must live indoors unless otherwise approved for outdoor housing.
• The Foster Home agrees to a pre-approval home inspection and periodic inspections by authorized representatives of Peach State Rescue, Inc. The Foster Home further agrees to inspections by representatives of the Georgia Department of Agriculture ("GDA") when required or authorized by law.

6. Shelter Support & Resources

• The Rescue will provide necessary supplies such as food, bedding, crates, and medical care.
• All veterinary care must be coordinated and pre-approved by the Rescue unless life-threatening circumstances require immediate attention.
• Training, mentorship, and behavior support are available to all foster families throughout the foster period.

7. Communication & Record Keeping

• Foster must provide regular updates, including photos, behavioral notes, and health reports, as requested by the Rescue.
• All significant incidents or changes in behavior, appetite, or health must be reported immediately.
• Foster must maintain detailed records of medications, behaviors, feeding, and veterinary visits for submission upon request.

8. Adoption Process Participation

• Foster shall not independently advertise or place the Animal for adoption.
• All adoption inquiries must be referred to the Rescue for screening and approval.
• The Rescue handles all adoption fees, paperwork, and final placements.
• Fosters interested in adopting their foster Animal must complete a standard adoption application and follow normal adoption procedures.

9. Liability, Risk & Indemnification

9.1. The Foster acknowledges that working with animals involves inherent risks, including bites, scratches, property damage, and zoonotic illness. 9.2. The Rescue is not liable for injuries, property damage, or other losses arising from the foster arrangement, except where prohibited by law. 9.3. The Foster agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Peach State Rescue, Inc., its officers, agents, volunteers, and affiliates from all claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from foster activities, except in cases of the Rescue’s gross negligence.

10. Decompression Protocol Compliance

10.1. The Foster agrees to follow Peach State Rescue, Inc.’s official Decompression Guidelines, including but not limited to the recommended 3–3–3 Rule (3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to adjust, 3 months to fully settle), slow and controlled introductions, structured routine, and the use of a quiet, designated safe space during the initial adjustment period.

10.2. The Foster acknowledges that decompression is a critical safety and welfare protocol intended to reduce stress, prevent behavioral escalations, and ensure the safety of the animal, household members, and other pets.

10.3. The Foster agrees not to expose the animal to high-stress situations, including but not limited to:

• Off-leash environments, dog parks, or public social settings without Rescue approval
• Rapid or excessive introductions to people or animals
• Training methods that conflict with Rescue guidelines
• Allowing free roam of the home before the animal is ready
• Situations that may overwhelm or endanger the animal

10.4. The Foster must comply with all written and verbal decompression instructions issued by Peach State Rescue, Inc. staff, including updated or case-specific behavioral guidance.

10.5. Failure to comply with the Rescue’s decompression guidelines—including actions that knowingly disregard safety protocols—will result in a monetary fine of $1,000, payable to Peach State Rescue, Inc. This fine may be imposed if non-compliance results in:

• Injury to the animal
• Behavioral regression
• A bite incident
• The need for emergency removal or specialized rehabilitation
• Any significant risk created by ignoring decompression instructions

10.6. The Rescue reserves the right to immediately remove the animal from the Foster home if decompression guidelines are not followed. This removal does not eliminate the Foster’s financial responsibility for the imposed fine if applicable.

11. Compliance, Inspections & Auditing

11.1. The Foster agrees to allow the Rescue or authorized representatives (including GDA officials) to inspect the premises at reasonable times, including unannounced visits. 11.2. The Rescue will perform at least two inspections annually. 11.3. All care and medical records must be maintained and made available for review.

12. Marketing & Social Media

• Fosters are encouraged to share updates, photos, and stories of their foster Animals to promote adoption.
• All social media posts must align with the Rescue’s brand, messaging, and privacy policies.
• Confidential information, such as adopter details or sensitive medical data, may not be shared publicly.

13. Media Release

I, the undersigned, hereby grant Peach State Rescue, Inc., its representatives, employees, volunteers, and agents, the irrevocable right and permission to photograph, film, or otherwise record me, my likeness, voice, or image, as well as any animals in my care or participating in organizational activities.

I understand that these photographs, videos, or recordings may be used by Peach State Rescue, Inc. for educational, promotional, or informational purposes, including but not limited to social media, websites, newsletters, printed materials, fundraising campaigns, public relations, or other communications that support and promote the organization’s mission.

I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product, including written or digital materials that may accompany such media. I further waive any right to compensation, royalties, or other remuneration arising from or related to the use of these images or recordings.

I release and hold harmless Peach State Rescue, Inc., its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, and assigns from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action that I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf may have by reason of this authorization.

I understand that participation is voluntary, and that I may request in writing at any time that Peach State Rescue refrain from using my image or likeness in future materials, though this does not apply to materials already produced or distributed prior to such notice.

14. Termination & Breach

14.1. The Rescue may terminate this Agreement immediately for failure to comply with its terms, neglect, or endangerment of any Animal. 14.2. Upon termination, the Foster must promptly return all Rescue property and the Animal(s) in their care. 14.3. Sections concerning indemnification, liability, confidentiality, and record retention shall survive termination.

15. Emergency Preparedness and Evacuation

The Foster Caregiver acknowledges that emergencies, including but not limited to fire, flooding, severe weather, hurricanes, tornadoes, utility failures, hazardous material incidents, structural damage, and other disasters, may require the evacuation or relocation of foster animals.

1. Emergency Preparedness. The Foster Caregiver agrees to maintain reasonable emergency supplies for all foster animals in their care, including food, water, medications, leashes, collars, harnesses, crates, carriers, and any other items necessary to safely care for and transport the animal(s) for a minimum of seven (7) days.
2. Animal Identification. The Foster Caregiver shall ensure that all foster animals remain properly identified at all times and that rescue-issued identification, tags, microchip information, and medical records remain accessible during an emergency.
3. Evacuation Responsibility. In the event of an emergency requiring evacuation, the Foster Caregiver shall make every reasonable effort to safely evacuate the foster animal(s) and shall transport them using an appropriate crate, carrier, leash, or harness. Foster animals shall never be transported unsecured.
4. Notification Requirements. The Foster Caregiver shall notify Peach State Rescue as soon as reasonably possible of any emergency affecting the foster animal(s), including evacuation, displacement, injury, illness, loss, or death.
5. Relocation of Foster Animals. Upon request of Peach State Rescue, the Foster Caregiver shall transport the foster animal(s) to a designated emergency relocation site, approved foster home, boarding facility, veterinary clinic, or other location designated by Peach State Rescue.
6. Emergency Veterinary Care. If a foster animal becomes ill or injured during an emergency, evacuation, or disaster situation, the Foster Caregiver shall seek immediate veterinary care when necessary to prevent suffering or further injury. Animals requiring medical attention should be transported to one of the Peach State Rescue founders whenever possible, to Rowell Veterinary Associates, or to another approved veterinary partner designated by Peach State Rescue. If these options are unavailable or impractical due to the emergency, the Foster Caregiver may seek treatment at the nearest appropriate veterinary facility capable of providing necessary care. The Foster Caregiver shall notify Peach State Rescue as soon as practicable regarding the animal's condition, location, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and any costs incurred. All veterinary evaluations, treatments, medications, and outcomes shall be documented and provided to Peach State Rescue upon request.
7. Compliance with Rescue Emergency Plan. The Foster Caregiver agrees to comply with Peach State Rescue's Emergency Evacuation Plan and any emergency directives issued by authorized representatives of the rescue.
8. Emergency Contacts. The Foster Caregiver shall maintain current contact information with Peach State Rescue and shall promptly update the rescue regarding any changes to their telephone number, email address, physical address, or emergency contact information.

16. Miscellaneous

• Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Georgia.
• Severability: If any provision is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.
• Entire Agreement: This document constitutes the full agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior understandings.
• Amendments: Any modifications must be in writing and signed by both parties.
• Notices: Written notices may be delivered in person, by certified mail, or email (with confirmed receipt).
• Non-Transfer: This Agreement is personal to the Foster and may not be transferred without written consent.

16. Acknowledgement & Signature

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to comply with all terms and conditions of this Foster Agreement. I understand that the Animal(s) remain the property of Peach State Rescue, Inc. and that fostering is a privilege extended to me in support of the Rescue’s mission.