Foster Contract Information:
Below are the terms of the foster contract that are required to be signed by all applicants pursuing fostering with GRRoM.
The purposes of sharing the contract here is to have prospective applicants review the terms that they would be agreeing to during their application process.
Throughout the fostering process, the FOSTER FAMILY understands that the dog(s) in their home will change from time to time; however, the FOSTER FAMILY agrees that this contract will nevertheless remain in full force and effect regardless of the dog(s) the FOSTER FAMILY may have. Whenever the FOSTER FAMILY has any dog(s) from GRRoM, it agrees to fulfill the following terms and conditions to the best of its ability.
This Foster Contract can be amended by GRRoM upon giving ten (10) days written notice to the FOSTER FAMILY as needed for the best consideration of the dog(s). The FOSTER FAMILY agrees to return the current living foster dog(s) to GRRoM upon verbal or written demand by GRRoM. Upon the giving of such notice, GRRoM shall be immediately released from all further liability of the dog(s) to the FOSTER FAMILY or third parties.
The FOSTER FAMILY agrees to abide by the Foster Manual and use it as a guide to providing the dog(s) with a safe home, proper care, attention, and humane treatment in accordance with all current and future state, county and local laws and ordinances where the FOSTER FAMILY resides. The dog(s) is not to ride loose in the back of trucks and must be supervised when tied out or enclosed with an invisible fence. If a trolley or tie out is used, the dog MUST BE FASTENED BY A HARNESS NOT BY HIS COLLAR. The FOSTER FAMILY agrees that the dog shall not be outside the home when the FOSTER FAMILY is not at home.
The FOSTER FAMILY agrees to take the dog(s) to a licensed veterinarian, as approved by GRRoM, as such appointments are made. GRRoM keeps all foster dog(s) under veterinary care until they are adopted. The FOSTER FAMILY agrees to take the dog(s) to an approved GRRoM licensed veterinarian to provide the dog(s) with necessary veterinary care upon emergency sickness, disease, and injury. The name and number of the approved veterinarian to be used will be discussed with the FOSTER FAMILY at the time of the delivery of the dog(s).
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY during off hours when regular vet clinics are closed, the FOSTER FAMILY should take the dog to a 24-hour Emergency Clinic and call Betty Curran (734-678-3517) and/or Karen Vineberg (734-604-0639) to notify them of the emergency. DO NOT hold up emergency care needed by trying to get ahold of GRRoM before going to the emergency clinic.
The FOSTER FAMILY understands that there are costs involved in maintaining a dog(s) and agrees to assume full responsibility for all expenses related to food and water, and basic health and grooming including administering the monthly heartworm preventative (provided by GRRoM). The FOSTER FAMILY understands that by assuming responsibility for these expenses it is making a donation to GRRoM and is not in any way obtaining any kind of ownership interest in the dog(s).
At the time the FOSTER FAMILY takes possession of the dog(s), GRRoM has already provided, or has made provision to provide, at a minimum—the following vaccinations and tests at the intervals required by law and/or advised by their veterinarian: rabies, distemper/parvo/lepto combination (DHLPP), Bordetella, fecal exam, and a heartworm test followed by a regular course of preventative. However, FOSTER FAMILY agrees that they will talk to their personal veterinarian about their fostering, and to seek advice whether he/she recommends a six month parvo booster and/or Bordetella on the family’s personal pets to prevent any breakout. GRRoM shall not be responsible for the family pets if there is a Parvo, Bordetella, or intestinal parasite outbreak in the home. It is suggested but not mandatory that the FOSTER FAMILY take the extra precaution with additional boosters at their sole expense for the family pets.
The FOSTER FAMILY agrees that the dog(s) will reside in his/her home and will be treated as a household pet.
The FOSTER FAMILY agrees to provide an identification tag with their phone number for the dog(s) to wear at all times when allowed outdoors, and that the dog(s) will also wear the collar and ID plate provided by GRRoM at all times. If the FOSTER FAMILY owns a permanent vacation home that has its own phone number, please purchase a separate collar and ID tag for that location as well.
GRRoM makes no warranties or representations regarding the dog(s)’s health or temperament. It is agreed and understood by the FOSTER FAMILY that, while every effort is made to provide an accurate history and assessment of a dog(s), GRRoM does not warrant any dog(s) regarding medical status, behavior, or disposition. It is further agreed that environmental changes may affect and change the temperament of the dog(s), and that GRRoM shall therefore have no liability or responsibility of any nature regarding defects with the dog(s), or injuries to any person in the home or damage property which may be caused for any reason by the dog(s). The FOSTER FAMILY agrees to indemnify and hold harmless GRRoM, its members and representatives against any and all claims, known or unknown, now or hereafter arising in connection with the dog(s), including attorneys’ fees and costs. THE FOSTER FAMILY ASSUMES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTAINING POSITIVE CONTROL OVER THE DOG(S) AT ALL TIMES.
The FOSTER FAMILY agrees that if for any reason he/she cannot keep this dog(s), he/she shall immediately return the dog to a designated GRRoM representative. The dog(s) shall not be given away, sold, exchanged, adopted, or placed in any kind of animal shelter or another rescue society without prior written consent from GRRoM, which may include completed paperwork for a legal adoption. The FOSTER FAMILY understands that any friend or family member who wishes to take ownership of this dog(s) will be required to apply to GRRoM for the right to adopt and/or foster the dog, and that such adoption is not guaranteed.
The FOSTER FAMILY is expected to love and observe their foster Golden for three weeks before they decide to either adopt or add him/her to the Adoption Roster. This will give the FOSTER FAMILY an opportunity to evaluate personality, general behavior, little quirks, containment requirements, and how he/she gets along with other animals and children. Medical or behavioral issues may necessitate prolonging the three-week foster time period. Approval for extending the three weeks can only come after Betty Curran and/or Karen Vineberg discuss the symptoms and review any Vet documents that pertain to the symptoms. Approval and an action plan will be documented in an email and distributed to the Foster, Foster Advocate, and Foster Program Volunteers.
If the FOSTER FAMILY wishes to adopt their foster dog themselves, they agree to follow the procedures outlined in the Foster Manual, regarding the process. If not already finished, the FOSTER FAMILY will complete the Adoption process as the ADOPTING FAMILY by completing all necessary documents and agree to abide by the final decision of their interviewer in approving or denying the adoption.
If, for any reason, the dog(s) has not completed the medical treatments (Examples include heartworm treatment, hookworm treatment, spay, neuter, etc.) prior to the execution of this contract, the FOSTER FAMILY agrees to work with GRRoM to attend all appointments and follow-up visits that need to be made in order to have the dog(s) healthy and ready for adoption. The FOSTER FAMILY acknowledges that GRRoM shall at all times have the right to and will reclaim the dog(s) if the appointments are not made.
The FOSTER FAMILY agrees to carry homeowners’ personal liability insurance, that will cover any acts of omission or commission as a result of the dog, in an amount of $100,000/$300,000, and provide a Certificate of Insurance (Declaration) to GRRoM with their application.
The FOSTER FAMILY agrees to pay GRRoM for any and all expenses, including court costs and reasonable attorney fees for enforcing the terms and provisions of this Contract, or for any dispute arising out of this contract. Payment of these damages shall not excuse the FOSTER FAMILY from returning the dog(s) to GRRoM and shall not constitute any kind of ownership interest in the dog(s).
GRRoM assumes the liability for all acts or omissions of a non-director volunteer, including a foster care provider, provided that:
1. The volunteer and/or foster provider acted or reasonably believed he or she was acting within the scope of his or her authority.
2. The volunteer and/or foster provider was acting in good faith.
3. The volunteer’s and/or foster provider’s conduct did not amount to gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
4. The volunteer’s and/or foster provider’s conduct was not an intentional tort.
5. The volunteer’s and/or foster provider’s conduct was not a tort arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of motor vehicle as described in section 209 (e)(v) of the Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act.
RESOLVING CONFLICTS
If it becomes necessary for GRRoM to take legal action or institute some other proceeding for breach of this Contract or to otherwise enforce the provisions of this Contract, if GRRoM prevails, the FOSTER FAMILY agrees to pay all attendant court costs, out of pocket expenses, and attorney fees incurred by GRRoM.
When legal action is required, both parties agree to follow GRRoM’s Conflict of Interest Policy. The inclusion of this Policy, is to acknowledge that conflicts can occur between all parties. The policy serves as a mechanism for how the conflicts will be handled should all other attempts were tried but failed. Proof will be the signature the applicant on this form; and that is agreed to by understanding the HOW, under Michigan jurisdiction; the WHO - the exclusive judicial power and authority to hear and resolve the matter; and WHERE the conflict will be resolved; For GRRoM contracts, that choice designates Oakland County as the specific location where the dispute must proceed.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY STATEMENT:
This agreement, the rights of the parties, and all actions arising in whole or in part under or in connection with it, will be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic substantive laws of the State of Michigan, without giving effect to any choice or conflict-of-law provision or rule that would cause the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction. By execution of this agreement, the parties consent to venue in Oakland County of any action brought to enforce the terms of this agreement or to collect any moneys due under it.