This is a thorough outline of what is required. We don’t mean to sound too strict, but the health and welfare of our rescued animals are paramount. It will also help us both through this process if you can follow the guidelines.

• Commit to a minimum of a two-week foster period. It is expected that the foster dog will not be removed from the initial property they are placed at. If short-term alternative care is necessary (for example, you need to go away for the short term), then Mission Paws’ible recommends “Happy Tails”, a visiting pet sitting service or live-in pet sitters available from ‘Bali Pet Sitters Club’ Facebook page.
• Provide a photograph of your yard to ensure the above conditions are met
• Provide transport to any medical appointments, including drop off and pick up.
• Give ONE (1) WEEK’S NOTICE of terminating foster carer before the mutually agreed time. However, if your foster is resulting in suffering a severe illness, please contact us so alternative arrangements can be made as soon as possible, which is in the best interests of you and our foster dog.
• Have vaccinations up to date (Complete and Rabies) for all other dogs in your care. Do not let your foster animal have contact with unvaccinated animals.
• Follow all oral and written instructions regarding medications. All instructions from our recommended vet must be followed, and all courses of medication completed. Please make sure you are clear on the vet’s treatment instructions. If you are unsure of something such as giving tablets, please ask for a demonstration.
• Contact us immediately if any health concerns arise.
• Ensure your foster dog does not have contact with any non-vaccinated animals, especially street dogs. If you handle any other animals during the day, please be sure to change your clothes before contact with your foster. We also know how much you want to take your pup to the beach or for a walk, but this is not allowed as it jeopardises their health until they are fully vaccinated. Parvo and Distemper are throughout the ground in Bali, and it is the number 1 killer of pups.
• Notify us in the event any change occurs in the address or telephone number given in the Foster Application Form.
• Damage to personal property. As you are responsible for your foster dog, you will be responsible for any damage incurred due to your foster dog. Please be aware foster dogs may not be fully trained. Please be vigilant with your personal and expensive items.
• You need to go away: We understand many fosters have personal plans when in Bali. If you are planning a trip away but would like to continue to foster the dog you have, then please reach out to one of the boarding facilities, book them in and let us know where the animal will be placed with the dates. Please note the boarding is at the cost of the foster carer: we do not budget boarding into the rescue costs if we have a solid foster care network. If your trip is longer than two weeks, then we will terminate your foster agreement, and we can reconnect once you return if you’d like to foster with us again.

Although training isn’t essential, we believe (and know) it’s a great aspect of fostering as it enhances the dog’s experience of living in a home environment. It gives our dogs a great advantage of adoption over non-fostered dogs.

Toilet training also makes your pup more adoptable (and your life easier!). When they have finished a meal or are awake and begin sniffing, take them to where they are to toilet; when they do so, reward them with a treat and lots of praise. They’ll learn soon enough, so please don’t punish them if they don’t get it right. They need time to learn.

You can also teach them to walk on a lead and accept a collar. Please understand that “sniffing” while walking is how dogs explore their environment and is part of their enjoyment of the journey. Patience is required! Due to Bali’s heat, a few short walks rather than one long walk is recommended.

Please note, only walk your pup in public after they are fully vaccinated (second vaccinations are complete). In Bali, Distemper and Parvoviruses are prevalent, particularly in beach areas. If an infected dog defecates and your pup comes into contact with it, they can contract the virus. Both viruses have no treatment beyond supportive measures such as infusing a drip and assisting the immune system in coping. Our only weapon is vaccination. Parvovirus, in particular, can live off the host for one year given the right conditions. This means a parvo-infected dog’s poo infects that patch of ground for a year.

Mission Paws’ible advocates for a carnivorous diet for their foster dogs.

Nutritious food is paramount for a healthy dog, both inside and out.

Feed twice a day – morning and night. Always have a large bowl of fresh water available.

Click here for more feeding tips and recipes.

Mission Paws’ible will provide the following depending on requirement and availability:

• Vaccination Booklets
• Blankets
• Bowls
• Toys
• Fish Oils
• Shampoo

At the end of your foster period, please clean and return all items for recycling.

Due to the recent rise in rabies cases across Bali, we urge all current foster carers to be pre-vaccinated for rabies. The World Health Organization (WHO) standard for people is now two injections over a one-week period.

When animals are vaccinated against rabies, it is still possible that exposure may have occurred prior to vaccination. If an animal is incubating rabies, they may develop symptoms at any time. There is no reliable way to test live animals for rabies.

For this reason, please be aware and vigilant about looking for possible signs of rabies in animals under your care.

Rabies is spread through animal bites or transfer of saliva from an infected animal to open wounds, into the eyes, nose or mouth.

Take care to avoid being bitten. Do not let animals lick you on the mouth, in the eyes, in the nose or allow saliva to come into contact with open wounds or broken skin.

The rabies virus does not always present the same symptoms in every animal. If you notice any behaviour out of the ordinary, including any of the following, contact us immediately.

● Vicious biting for no reason
● Paralysis
● Difficulty swallowing
● Barking with a strange sound
● Drooping of the lower jaw
● Foaming at the mouth
● Seizures
● Seeking dark places

In the event that you are bitten, and your skin is broken, follow WHO protocols as follows:

● Wash the wound for 15 minutes with soap and running water and apply betadine/iodine
● Seek medical advice immediately

More detailed information about rabies here: FACT SHEET

Please note that although Mission Paws’ible is responsible for the medical care and vaccinations of the animals, we do not take responsibility for fosters’ own personal vaccinations, nor any potential post-exposure treatment.

By virtually signing below, you acknowledge that you have been informed of the risks and post-exposure protocol and that you agree to take full responsibility for your own vaccinations and any necessary treatment in the event of a bite.

 

Further information can be found here:
Frequently Asked Questions