- Strictly adhere to the 10 day quarantine for both dogs and cats.
- Be aware that coccidia, which causes diarrhea, can become symptomatic after the 10 day quarantine has passed. At least, we have had that happen here.
- Avoid sharing litter boxes between personal cats and foster cats whenever possible.
- Closely watch for skin inflammation that might be ringworm. It spreads easily to other pets. Therefore, don't allow personal pets to share the same environment as new fosters, even if they aren't in the room at the same time.
- Ringworm and coccidia can get in the environment and put your pets at risk of contamination. Wash your hands and even change clothes if possible between handling personal pets and new fosters.
- Don't take on more fosters than you have places to separate them in case one or many get sick (parvo is the worst scenario for this).
- Use a stepping pan containing clorox when going in/out of quarantined areas.
- Pay attention to which shoes you are wearing in the new foster's environment. Don't wear these shoes elsewhere until the quarantine is over and you know the animal is "safe".
- Give any new foster a bath immediately upon entering your home, before his/her feet even touch the ground or floor.
- Consider a new foster's personality and how that animal will get along with your personal pets before you allow your compassion to take over your judgement.
- Get fecals done whenever allowable, but always with pregnant or new moms to rule out giardia or coccidia that might spread to the offspring. It's easier and cheaper to treat one infected animal than ten.
- Consider taking in at least two at the time so they can be companions for each other during the quarantine period.
- Disinfect your quarantine area.
- Make certain you are willing to deal with the everyday issues of pet interactions before you take on a new foster. It's hard to find someone else to take the animal if it doesn't work out at your house.
- Have enough toys and spend enough time with each animal to reduce the jelousy factor.
- Separate animals for feeding as needed.
- Don't force your dog or cat to change its routine or personal space to accomodate another new dog or cat.
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