Frequently Asked Questions

FOR CLIENTS

Coe, our very first foster dog

Do I have to pick up my animal on the date I gave on my Tempoary Foster Application?

No, however there are some things you need to do if you are going to change your pickup date. If you are going to be earlier than expected, you need to let us know at least 24 hrs before you want to pick them up, and the day and time will be at the convenience of the foster.

If you are going to be later than you indicated, you need to ask for an extension by filling out an extension request form at least 3 days prior to your original pickup date. We will need to know why you need the extension, and what the new pickup date will be. This request may be denied if we feel the reason is not one that falls within the scope of our mission, or if the foster decides they do not want to care for your pet longer than originally requested.

If you do not pick up your pet, they will be considered abandoned, which is illegal in Oregon, and you will be reported. 

Can I visit my pet while they are being fostered?

You can visit your pet if it is convenient for the foster who is caring for your pet, and convenient for an AAR staff member who would facilitate a visit. You will never be allowed to visit at the foster's home or arrange a visit with the foster alone. Visits are not guaranteed. 

What happens if I cannot, or do not, check in each week?

We ask that you check in by email or phone (text or call) at least once a week for the duration of your pet's time with us. If you are unable to do this, you need to let us know and we will arrange with your case worker to keep us updated on your progress. 

If you do not do this and we have not heard from you for a week, we will attempt to contact you. If we cannot reach you within one week of the previous week, and you do not contact us, you will be in breach of your contract, and we will end our agreement with you. Your animal will be exited from the foster program and put up for adoption. Because we do not want to separate you from your pet, we will give you every opportunity to retrieve them, and in most cases allow you to retrieve your pet during their adoption period, if they have not already been adopted.

What if I don't want you to fix my animal while you have them?

If you are unwilling to allow us to spay or neuter your pet, then you will need to find someone else to care for them while you are away. This is an ethical issue for us, and for any animal rescue, and we cannot be complicit with breeding pets of any kind. This is made clear in the contract you will sign at the time we pick up your pet.

Do I have to pay for anything while my pet is with you?

No, if you are low income or homeless, we do not expect you to pay for anything. You can send things along with your pet and we will decide if the items will go with them to their foster home. Anything not approved will be sent home with you.

For DV, sudden incarcerations, sudden hospitalizations, and displacement due to natural disasters, if you are NOT low income or homeless, you will be expected to pay a sliding scale fee while your pet is being fostered through AAR. Please see FAQ about the sliding scale program. 

Which areas do you serve?

We accept pets from the following counties: Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas. If you are able to bring your pets from nearby areas (eg. Newberg, McMinnville, etc) to the Portland Metro area when they enter their foster placement, we may consider your application on a case by case basis.

We strictly do not accept any cases outside of Oregon.

Depending on your income you will pay between 10% and 100% of our daily fee. The daily fee is $30 for dogs and $15 for cats. Each additional dog is $10 and each additional cat is $0 up to 3 cats. Please refer to this chart to determine how much you would pay per day. 

Median income and percentage you will pay. Price per day, paid by the week. This is for 1 dog @ $30/per day.
≥ 30% you pay 10% US$3/day = $21/week
>60% you pay 50% US$15/day = $105/week
≥ 80% you pay 75% US$22.50/day = $157.50/week
<100% you pay 100% US$30/day = $210/week

FAQ for Sliding Scale Program

Median income and percentage you would pay. Price Per day, paid by the week. This is for 1 cat @ $15 per day.
≥ 30% you pay 10% US$1.50/day = $10.50/week
≥ 60% you pay 50% US$7.50/day = $52.50/week
≥ 80% you pay 75% US$11.25/day = $78.75/week
≥ 100% you pay 100% US$15/day = $105//week
Multnomah County Median income $124,100
31%-60% 38,471-74,460
61%-80% 75,701-99,280
81%-100% 100,521-124,100
Above 100% Above 124,100 yearly gross

Frequently Asked Questions

FOR FOSTERS

Am I obligated to foster since I signed up?

No. You are never obligated to take an animal. You can wait until you are ready to begin fostering. There is no time limit to how long you can wait. Once you are ready, you can choose to say yes or no to any animal that we suggest for you. 

Can I choose what animals I am willing to foster? And what if I don't want to continue fostering for an animal after I have already taken it?

Yes. On your foster application you will specify what kind of animals you would like to foster, the sex, age, energy level, and temperment. If ever an animal doesn't feel like a good fit for your home or family, you can always call us and request someone come pick up the animal. You are never obligated in any way to keep an animal that you are not happy with.

Do I have to pay for the foster's food and supplies?

No. We will pay for all of the neccesary provisions (ie. food and bowls, litter and litter box, medicine). If you choose to buy extra things such as toys, beds, and treats, the cost of those items will not be reimbursed to you.

Do I have to take the foster to the vet if it's needing to go?

Yes. We will expect that you transport your foster pet to and from vet appointments, which can be made to fit your schedule. If you are unable to transport your foster pet, we will have an AAR staff member pick up and drop off for you.

What happens if the owner never retrieves their animal?

If a client goes past their specified time that they requested services, either because they stopped checking in or because they requested an extension, we will inform you and ask you if you can continue to foster. If you cannot, we will pick up the foster pet. If you can, it will only be until the max time we provide fostering is reached, which is 12 weeks, or 4 additional weeks (16 wks total) if they file for an extension. At that time the animal will be considered abandoned and go up for adoption or be transferred to another rescue or shelter. 

Will the owners have my information or be visiting at my home?

No, a client is not allowed to have any information regarding any foster home/parent. This is a privacy matter and we will never share your personal information. The client's case worker, DV advocate or probation/parole officer can request the information so that the client feels better about not knowing where their pet is, but they are never to share that information with the client. If the client wants to visit their pet, we will facilitate that meeting at your convenience in a public place for dogs only. You can choose to accompany an AAR staff member to a visitation or not. We may ask you to entertain a facetime call with the client if they request one. You can say no to this request if you do not feel comfortable with it. 

If you have any other questions regarding our service, please ask as we would like to expand our FAQ section to meet everyone's curiosity.