Question
What rights do I have as a foster family? I am fostering for a cat and the organization won’t let me adopt the cat. Do I have any rights to this cat?
Answer
Rights of foster “parents” and rescues/shelters are usually contained in a written foster agreement. That agreement should be carefully reviewed. Fostering, unlike adopting, is typically a temporary arrangement although some agreements provide that foster “parents” have the first right to adopt the fostered animal (but still subject to approval of the rescue/shelter). I hope that you and the rescue/shelter can work this out in the best interests of the cat. Perhaps finding out why the organization is reluctant to allow you to adopt this cat will help in the negotiations.
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