- Safe Environment: Foster homes must ensure a secure and clean-living space for animals, free from hazards.
- Basic Needs: Animals must always have access to fresh water, species-appropriate nutrition, and adequate shelter.
- Daily Observation: Fosters should monitor for signs of illness or distress, including abnormal behaviour, appetite loss, or visible injuries.
- Support and Communication: Fosters are expected to communicate regularly with their organisation coordinators for updates, photos and video, veterinary appointments, or emergencies.
- Training and Guidance: Foster providers will undergo training sessions on handling, feeding, and basic medical care to meet DAWN’s standardsold or overturn the decision by a simple majority.
Objective: Provide interim care that meets welfare standards.
- Fosters MUST sign foster agreements and undergo onboarding.
- Training and support MUST be ongoing.
- DAWN organizations MUST monitor:
- Medical and behavioral status
- Duration and suitability of foster placement
- Special provisions for:
- Small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs): temperature control, quiet housing
- Birds: species-specific social interaction and aviary space
- Reptiles: heat, humidity, UV regulation
- Farm animals & Equines: paddock safety, shelter, vet access
