Foster Care Agreement

FOSTER CARE AGREEMENT
Vermont Pet Guardians
Effective upon electronic submission

This Foster Care Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between Vermont Pet Guardians, a Vermont nonprofit organization ("VPG"), and the individual submitting this form ("Foster").

1. OWNERSHIP
The animal(s) placed in foster care remain the sole property of Vermont Pet Guardians at all times. The Foster acquires no ownership interest in any animal placed in their care under this Agreement.

2. FOSTER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Foster agrees to:
a. Provide a safe, clean, and humane living environment for the foster animal inside the Foster's home.
b. Provide adequate food, fresh water, shelter, exercise, and socialization appropriate to the animal's needs.
c. Keep the foster animal current on any vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and medications as directed by VPG or its designated veterinarian.
d. Immediately notify VPG of any illness, injury, behavioral changes, or emergencies involving the foster animal.
e. Keep the foster animal secured and prevent escape, loss, or theft.
f. Not allow the foster animal to roam freely outdoors without supervision.
g. Not breed the foster animal or allow it to be bred.
h. Not transfer, re-home, give away, sell, or otherwise place the foster animal with any other individual or organization without the express written consent of VPG.

3. VETERINARY CARE
VPG will coordinate and cover the cost of approved veterinary care for the foster animal. The Foster must contact VPG before seeking non-emergency veterinary care. In a life-threatening emergency where VPG cannot be reached, the Foster may authorize emergency care and will be reimbursed for reasonable costs upon submission of receipts, subject to VPG approval.

4. RETURN OF ANIMAL
The Foster agrees to surrender the animal to VPG upon request, with reasonable notice except in cases of emergency. VPG may reclaim an animal at any time if, in VPG's sole judgment, the animal's welfare requires it or the Foster has violated this Agreement.

5. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS
The Foster agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing the care and ownership of animals, including Vermont statutes governing animal welfare.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY
The Foster agrees not to share personal information about adopters, other fosters, donors, or VPG personnel obtained through this placement.

7. LIABILITY WAIVER AND RELEASE
THE FOSTER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES TO THE FOLLOWING:

a. Animal Risk: The Foster voluntarily assumes all risks associated with fostering an animal, including but not limited to bites, scratches, injuries, allergic reactions, property damage, and illness (including zoonotic disease transmission) caused by or related to the foster animal.

b. Release of Claims: To the fullest extent permitted by Vermont law, the Foster hereby releases, waives, discharges, and agrees not to sue Vermont Pet Guardians, its officers, directors, volunteers, agents, and representatives (collectively "Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, losses, damages, costs, and expenses arising out of or related to the foster placement, including personal injury, property damage, or death, whether caused by the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise.

c. Indemnification: The Foster agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims, suits, or demands brought by third parties (including household members and visitors) arising from the Foster's care of the animal.

d. Vermont Law Limitation: Nothing in this Agreement purports to waive liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any other liability that cannot be waived under Vermont law.

8. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Vermont. Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved in the courts of Vermont.

9. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the foster placement and supersedes all prior communications. VPG reserves the right to update these terms with notice to active fosters.