BRAT Foster Handbook

I.	Brief Rescue Overview	V.	Introducing Fosters
II.	Introduction to Fostering	VI.	Moving Day - Saying Goodbye
III.	Practical Fostering	VII.	Respecting BRAT's Financial Situation
IV.	Health Matters	VIII.	Contracts/Final Points

I. Brief Rescue Overview

BRAT places approximately 300 basenjis every year. We get 30-40 new purebreds in the system every month. Purebreds and mixes are handled differently in a number of ways. Generally, BRAT does not have sufficient resources to provide a foster home and/or pay vet expenses for mixes. However, we try to work with the owner/shelter to see that the dog is posted to the list and Web page. Any questions about mixes should be sent to Joanne Free at giza1@telus.net.

The BRAT placement process generally begins when an owner or shelter completes the "Post a Rescue" from the main web page at http://www.basenjirescue.org. That form goes to the BRAT officers and Regional Coordinators. Regional Coordinators assign new dogs to District Coordinators. District Coordinators and Coordinators work with foster homes to help re-home the dogs. If you learn of an incoming rescue, please direct the owner to complete the “Post a Rescue” form on the BRAT home page at http://www.basenjirescue.org or you can send an email with details to brat-admin@lists.basenjirescue.org. It is how the rescue “gets into the BRAT system.”

II. Introduction to Fostering

BRAT is committed to each dog that comes through the program, for the rest of its life, offering the adopting family training advice and support on an ongoing, long-term basis. Our adoption contract states that if a family can no longer keep the dog at any time in its life we will take the dog back for re-homing.

It is gratifying to hear from an adopting family, long after placement, and to know that the dog is doing well and the family remains grateful. We encourage Placement Coordinators and foster homes to remain in contact with our adoptive families through personal contact and the BRAT-Adopters email list. We also encourage the adoptive home to join BRAT and help other basenjis in need. We offer ongoing support, resources and friendship.

Foster care is a difficult job, and it is not an inexpensive endeavor. BRAT is fortunate to have the financial resources to be able to reimburse almost all vet expenses for foster dogs. There is always a huge need for foster homes, but BRAT does not have the resources to pay every expense a dog incurs while in foster care. Theoretically, the adoption fees cover the vetting expenses of a rescue dog. In reality, this is not always the case. We often pay expenses far above the adoption fee. With some dogs we may incur very few expenses. But then there is always another basenji who needs extensive vet care. We are also fortunate to attract additional donations from the basenji community.

Foster care providers understand that this work is a labor of love, and foster families willingly take in an extra dog to care for as if they were adding that dog to their family until a permanent home can be found. This could take a few weeks. But it could also take several months. Any potential foster home must be prepared for the unknowns and extended foster time. When a dog comes into BRAT rescue, the organization has committed itself to that dog for its entire life. Please be sure you can commit to a dog for the time it takes to place him into a permanent home before you take in a rescue dog. Please also understand that fostering is not a short cut to adopting a basenji, nor is it a way to get a discount on the adoption fee.

BRAT saves as many dogs as possible from high kill shelters and other dangerous situations. We welcome your interest and support.

This is an agreement between the owners of the below described rescue basenji, Basenji Rescue & Transport, Inc., (known herein as "BRAT,") and the caretakers of the dog, ________________________________, (known herein as "the foster home" or "the foster family.") In consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

The foster family understands and agrees to act as a foster home for one or more dogs owned by BRAT, (referred herein singularly and collectively as "the basenji" or "the dog.")

The following conditions apply to fostering of BRAT's basenjis while in the foster home's care and in their home. Please print out this form, initial each clause individually, and sign and date the bottom of the form.

____ 1) Unless being walked on a leash, the Basenji will be kept in the house or in a fenced yard on the grounds of the foster home at all times during the day, or in the house, or in a heated dog house (depending on the climate) at night.

____ 2) The basenji will remain the property of BRAT. The animal will be surrendered to a representative of BRAT immediately on the request of an officer of BRAT. No compensation or boarding fees will be paid by BRAT to the foster family.

____ 3) The Basenji must be appropriately fed and watered; housed in the foster home; and exercised outside in either in a secure, fenced yard or walked on-leash.

____ 4) Veterinary care will be provided by BRAT as long as prior approval is obtained. This includes vaccinations, heart worm testing and preventative, altering and any prescription medications necessary for the basenji, for the duration of the fostering period. The foster family shall be responsible for transporting the dog to and from the vet for scheduled checkups and any other treatment necessary. Transportation shall be at the foster home's expense.

____ 5) Upon request, the foster home may be compensated for any expenses incurred in the normal daily care of the basenji. Expenditures incurred by the foster family other than emergency care and treatment require prior approval by BRAT.

____ 6) The basenji is to be adopted to its permanent home only under the supervision of BRAT to a family pre-approved by BRAT. Adoptive families may be contacted by the foster family to inquire about the basenji. Often a foster family may consider adopting the basenji. If the foster family wishes to adopt the basenji, it should contact the BRAT coordinator and complete BRAT's adoption process.

____ 7) Questions or problems are to be directed to BRAT officers. If there is a need to remove the basenji from the foster home, the basenji is to be given directly to a representative of BRAT designated by a BRAT officer.

____ 8) The foster family accepts responsibility for any and all events that occur in connection with the fostering of a rescue animal, including, but not limited to, any damage to their home caused by the basenji or any liability for actions of the basenji towards the family or any third parties. The foster family agrees to release and indemnify BRAT from any and all claims, known and unknown, now or hereafter, arising in connection with the basenji.

____ 9) BRAT believes it very important that the foster family have a crate or other means of confinement available should the Foster Home need to leave the basenji home alone. Basenjis left unrestrained can be very destructive. I/we, the undersigned foster family, hereby specifically and forever release, discharge and hold harmless Basenji Rescue & Transport, Inc., its agents, and all other persons, firms or corporations charged or chargeable with liability, their heirs, administrators, executors, successors and assigns, from any and all claims, damages, costs, expenses, loss of service, actions and causes of action belonging to the said persons fostering this basenji, arising out of any act or occurrence from the present time, and particularly on account of the fostering of the basenji described above.

The Foster Contract provides a foster home with a checklist of things we expect of them. It is the basis of the entire fostering process. In addition to completing a Foster Contract, we also require each foster home to have an adoption application on file.

The adoption application is necessary because BRAT needs the same information for a foster home as it would have for an adoptive home (i.e., name, address, phone number, email address, and other general information about your home). When you fill out the form, just make a note in the comments section that the purpose of the application is to become a foster home.

III. Emotions and Fostering

As a foster, you must be prepared for anything – you just never know what kind of foster may arrive. Rescues come from many different situations: it could be a well adjusted/well loved basenji, old or young, skittish or confident. Usually, the basenji has been evaluated by a BRAT volunteer and found to be re-homeable. In rare cases, you might be asked to evaluate and, in an emergency, take the dog to foster. You should be prepared with a crate, collar and leash, at the minimum. Be careful, go slow and don't ask a lot of your new foster until you both develop trust in one another. Positive reinforcement always works best with basenjis.

Because the foster knows the most about the foster dog, we welcome your input into the placement process. You can either coordinate the entire placement (if you have the required experience) or work closely with the coordinator to find the perfect home for your foster dog. Working with a coordinator is a good way to learn the coordinating process.

Not all fosters can coordinate the placement of a rescue. Not all coordinators can foster. However, both activities are critical to BRAT's mission. Both fostering and coordinating are time consuming and emotionally exhausting, and in the end, both are also very rewarding activities.

If you would like to help coordinate the placement of your foster dog, you can review our Coordinator Handbook at:

BRAT Rescue Guidelines provided to new adoptive homes are also applicable in general for foster homes as well. It is strongly recommended that you review these guidelines at:

Will you get attached to the dogs you foster and want to keep them? Yes, of course you will. If you decide to adopt a dog you have been fostering you must let the placement coordinator know (before the rescue is promised to another home), sign the adoption contract and pay the appropriate BRAT adoption fee.

(1) At some point we all reach our limits of how many dogs of our own we can care for. For some of us this is two, for others more. If we keep "just one more" the lack of space and time will prevent another dog in need from having a second chance. When a foster home is lost, fewer basenjis can be rescued.

(2) Even though we think nobody can love a dog or care for it the way we do, this is just not true. There are wonderful, loving homes waiting for our rescue dogs - people who will love a dog just as much as we have.

(3) For those of us who foster, the long-term satisfaction of knowing we have saved a life far outweighs the momentary sadness when he leaves. After all, we have given him a second chance at life, and he is on his way to a "forever" home this time.

(4) If you want to keep a foster dog, you need to discuss the situation with the coordinator.

(5) Any other person who expresses an interest in adopting a rescue that you are fostering should be asked to fill out an adoption application. You can alert the coordinator about the applicant, but you are not at liberty to place the rescue yourself without BRAT authorization.

IV. Health Issues

It is important to keep your resident pets up to date on their own veterinary care. It is also wise to keep your own resident dogs separate from new foster dogs until you are certain that the new foster dog does not carry any contagious diseases or parasites.

Please cooperate with the Coordinator of your foster to be sure that your foster receives veterinary care. You and the coordinator together need to determine if the basenji is up to date on shots, heart worm preventive and/or is intact. You can make a vet appointment and arrangements for BRAT to pay for the expenses even before your foster arrives.

Every dog placed through BRAT must be spayed/neutered. If the dog has not been spayed/neutered, it is up to the foster to communicate to the coordinator (who may never have seen the rescue in person) and/or the veterinarian that this must be included in the health check. Coordinators and fosters should verify the neuter/spay status with the vet before the dog is posted—don't rely on the word of the owner. No rescue can be placed in its adoptive home until it has been spayed or neutered. If the rescue basenji arrives and it is apparent that it has not been altered, please let the coordinator know immediately.

Since BRAT is a volunteer, non-profit organization and subsists solely on donations, it is important that you help us save on veterinary care. Always ask your veterinarian about rescue discounts. In addition, call 1-800-248-SPAY to get a list of vets and clinics in your area that provide substantially discounted services, including spay and neuter services, vaccinations, and tests.

If the rescue is also found to be heart worm positive, the basenji should be spayed or neutered first, unless there is a compelling health reason to delay the surgery.

If you do use your regular vet for BRAT rescue vet care, it never hurts to explain that the dog is a rescue and that a discount would be highly appreciated (especially if they want your repeat business).

After it is determined that the dog is heart worm negative, a supply of HW preventative should be obtained from the vet as part of the health check. We generally recommend (subject to your vet's concurrence) that you use either the Interceptor brand of HW preventative (milbemysin oxime) or the Heartgard brand. (ivermectin). Revolution is a veritable cocktail of chemicals and is not recommended.

Get a 3-month supply of HW preventative. If it is expected that the foster will be staying for an extended time, please get a larger quantity. Submit a request for reimbursement.

Send only a one month supply to the adoptive home once the dog is placed. If your home is a constant foster home, keep the remainder to use for the next foster. Otherwise, please contact Debbi Johnson at debbijbasenjirescue@comcast.net. Most foster homes will send all the remaining HW meds to the adoptive home. If the Basenji is sent to its new home with a smaller supply, over time this will result in a cost savings for BRAT. In no circumstances are we advising use of the excess HW preventative on a dog that has not tested HW negative. In addition, each dog should be retested annually for HW.

Under NO circumstances is the rescue to be given Proheart 6 (moxidectin), the six month shot, as a heart worm preventative, which has been associated with seizures, temperament changes and death. This shot is supposedly no longer available, but mentioned here just in case someone still offers it.

All rescues must receive the basic vaccinations unless we have written documentation from a vet or shelter that the dog is current on shots. We can not rely on the relinquishing owner's word under any circumstances.

It is very helpful to the treasurer to be given 48 hours notice of the appointment. Inadequate notice may result in a delay in calling in the credit card information.

Please be sure that you only complete this form AFTER you have scheduled an appointment, that the vet has the name of the dog, and that the vet knows that BRAT will be calling with the credit card information. BRAT's treasurer calls in this information and needs to have a specific dog name and appointment time before the vet will take the card information. Once the appointment is complete, be sure to send a copy of the detail information (credit card receipt and vet's itemized statement) to:

When you fill out this form, remember to put the dog's name and state (location). Under activity, note the reason for reimbursement (i.e.vet visit) and the amount of the expense. When you mail this form, make sure that it is completely filled out, and that copies of all statements/receipts are forwarded.

Fanconi is a major problem in the basenji breed. While BRAT places Fanconi dogs, it does everything possible to ensure that adopters know if the dog has Fanconi before the placement. Urine sugar-strip testing is imperative in all cases. If the dog has Fanconi, we need to know this at the earliest possible date--and absolutely before the placement takes place. Do not rely on the owner's assurance that the dog has sugar stripped negative--do the testing yourself and redo it every month until placement. Be sure to review our Fanconi article found at: http://basenjirescue.org/brat_member_info/sugar.htm

V. Introducing Fosters to Resident Pets

Once your foster has been examined by a vet and you are comfortable that the foster is reasonably healthy and poses no threat to the health of your resident pets, introductions can be successful if you follow these suggestions:

Basenjis tend to have a bit of "attitude" which can make introductions to new dogs difficult, especially if you are bringing another dog into your home. However, there are many things you can do to ease the transition and get things off on the right foot.

Keep in mind that basenjis are gender aggressive. You will have much more success introducing a male and a female than you will introducing two dogs of the same gender. Additionally, be very careful if introducing a basenji to a very small dog that may be seen as prey. For the purposes of this article, we will be introducing two basenjis--bringing a second basenji into the home.

First of all, don't get nervous and transfer your fear to the dogs. Head for neutral ground. Choose a place that neither basenji will feel the need to protect. If this area includes a fenced space, all the better. Start by walking both basenjis on leash, each with a separate human handler. Don't allow them to greet quite yet. Follow a curving path such as a figure eight, walking towards the other basenji, then walking away without making contact. Keep leashes loose and distract as necessary see: Dog Aggression - on leash. As the basenjis pull less and become bored with one another, allow for closer contact and brief sniffs, until you can see that they are comfortable with each other.

At this point, you will hopefully be seeing only friendly sniffing; however, in the event of any growling or aggressive behavior, distract by walking between them (no hands or pulling on the leash!), then continue with the walking exercise until you can bring it to a friendlier conclusion.

If the basenjis are friendly, give them more latitude to interact, eventually dropping their leashes (letting them drag) so they can freely be together in the neutral fenced area. (If there is no fenced area, head to your home yard at this time.) If they have disagreements (and Basenjis can sound REALLY nasty), but you see no evidence of real harm (no blood, no one clearly dominating the discussion, no real battle), leave them alone. If things begin to escalate, you may step between them, using your body to distract them from an intense moment. Do not reach down with your hands. If you think it's too serious, step on the leashes to stop and separate them until they calm down. Then try again.

You may notice one basenji trying to mount the other, regardless of gender. This is a way dogs assert dominance. Allow it, unless it escalates into a fight. You may also notice other body language such as lip licking (nervousness) or turning heads away (stay calm, don't confront me) and yawning (an attempt to calm the other dog).

After 20 minutes or half an hour of this, walk the basenjis to their home yard together. Let them interact in the home yard for a short time before bringing them into the house. It is imperative that you make sure all toys and food are picked up to reduce the possibility of a fight.

Once in the house, continue to let the leashes drag. This is for your protection as well as the basenjis. Separating battling basenjis up close will get you bitten. If things go well, you can shorten the leashes, but letting them drag a two foot "tab" for the first week is probably a good idea. You may also wish to consider using muzzles as a precaution during this time.

Learn to safely break up any serious fights. NEVER put your hands into harm's way! Yelling or another sudden, loud noise can often break up a fight. Try water (a hose), a blanket, or a laundry basket. Shaking the treat jar is always distracting. Be prepared for the possibility of fights, and have a plan for breaking them up.

Because there are so many different situations and one style of introduction is not what will work in every situation, we recommend that if you have issues or questions about introducing new fosters to resident pets, please post an email to the BRAT Foster list brat-fosters@lists.basenjirescue.org to get input.

Never feed the dogs together – it is just too dangerous for you, your resident basenji(s) and the foster. Always give chews, treats and food related items in crates or separate rooms or crates.

Keep something handy to break up fights, use water hose, squirt bottle, baby gate, rug, blanket, but NEVER your hands.

Do not leave dogs that are new to one another unattended. Go slow and do not expect immediate acceptance. If you can not be with them to supervise, crate them both or leave in separate areas of the house.

Unless being walked on a leash, your foster dog should be kept in the house or in a fenced yard on the grounds of the foster home at all times during the day, or in the house, or in a heated dog house (depending on the climate) at night.

Your foster dog must be appropriately fed and watered. Upon request, the foster home may be compensated for any expenses incurred in the normal daily care of the basenji. Expenditures incurred by the foster family other than emergency care and treatment require prior approval by BRAT.

The foster dog is to be adopted to its permanent home only under the supervision of BRAT to a family pre-approved by BRAT. Adoptive families may be contacted by the foster family to inquire about the basenji.

The Coordinator will need to know as much as possible about the dog before they can find a forever home. You may be asked to complete an evaluation form for your foster dog:

If you experience problems with your foster dog, notify the placement coordinator and also check out our Post Adoptive Care library:

This library will help provide guidance and assistance to foster homes and adopters.

VI. Moving Day

The Coordinator will make transportation arrangements or ask for your help with transportation.

Send along supplies such as food, labeled with the brand name, toys, leash, and a collar.

Be sure to obtain all vet records for your dogs. Make a copy of the dog's medical records, especially the rabies inoculation information (which includes the serial number of the vials) and proof and results of the last HW test. Send the copy to Debbie Johnson at:\

Forwarding vet info with the rescue is very important so that the rescue does not have to undergo additional immunizations or tests unnecessarily. The foster home is expected to provide a copy of all veterinary records for the adoptive home.

Any time a BRAT dog is moved, the dog tag information should be updated. Let us know the name and location of the new foster by writing us at:

Expect to be sad for a couple of days. Also remember that resident dog(s) might become attached to the foster too. For closure, it may help for them to see the foster leave with the adopters or participate in transport. For the humans, staying in touch with the new adoptive home can be helpful.

VII. Respecting BRAT's Financial Situation

BRAT is a non-profit organization. All of our coordinators, screeners, fosters, and administrative personnel are volunteers. It is very important that each person involved do as much as possible to keep expenses as low as possible in order to maintain the organization for the sake of all dogs needing placement. Small items, though appearing insignificant, can actually help to make a difference. The following suggestions are not required, but they are things that can be considered and are already in use by some volunteers.

1. Dog food Some people choose to ease the new foster onto the food used in the household already. It makes it much easier than purchasing different brands, especially if there are several dogs being fostered at once. This allows us to share our dog's food, therefore saving BRAT funds for unexpected occurrences such as extended medical care, unexpected puppy mill busts, etc.

2. Tax vouchers In lieu of reimbursement, consider asking for a tax voucher which you can use to deduct your expense as a charitable deduction.

3. Contracts and fees For the most part, the Coordinator will handle the contract and fee portion of the process. However, if you meet the adopter, you may be asked to help obtain this paperwork. It is surprising how difficult it sometimes is to get a signed Adoption Contract and fee. It shouldn't be. We should never turn over one of our dogs without receiving the contract and fee. Do not feel guilty asking an adopter or pay the full adoption fee even if your particular dog did not have many vet bills. We have many basenjis that incur vet care far in excess of the amount of the adoption fee. A standard fee helps to even out the differences in expense.

VII. Contracts Required/Final Points

Essentially, this contract gives us "good title" to the dog. It is proof that BRAT “owned” the rescue. If we do not receive this contract at the time of the transfer from the relinquishing home or the shelter, there is a risk that the ownership of the rescue could be disputed or the previous owner could demand that we return the dog. If we have already adopted the dog to a third party, this could be very difficult legally. So, please be sure you have a signed Transfer Contract at the time you have the dog moved even if it is a handwritten, dated, signed note.

The Foster Contract provides a foster home with a checklist of things we expect of them. It is the basis of the entire fostering process.

This will turn responsibility of the dog over to the new adopter, explaining what is expected in the treatment of their new dog.

We would like to thank you for your interest in fostering dogs for BRAT. You are making a difference one dog at a time. If you have any questions about any procedures in this Handbook, please do not hesitate to send them to the Coordinators list or contact us at:

Copyright(c) 2008 by Basenji Rescue & Transport, Inc. Permission to make digital or hard copies of part of this work for personal use is granted without fee provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage and that copies bear this notice and the full citation on the first page or initial screen of the document. To copy otherwise, to republish, to post on servers, or to redistribute to lists, requires prior specific permission and/or a fee. Request permissions from BRAT, Inc. at brat-admin@lists.basenjirescue.org

Basenji Rescue and Transport, Inc. FOSTER HANDBOOK

I. Brief Rescue Overview

II. Introduction to Fostering

III. Emotions and Fostering

IV. Health Issues

V. Introducing Fosters to Resident Pets

VI. Moving Day

VII. Respecting BRAT's Financial Situation

VII. Contracts Required/Final Points

Basenji Rescue and Transport, Inc.
FOSTER HANDBOOK