Question
I have been fostering 2 dogs for 9 months, I had to reach out and ask to get them re-fostered because it was just too much with 4 dogs. After giving one back we noticed we could handle 3 just ok so I asked to adopt the one left with me. The rescue refused and said it was promised as a foster to another person. I took care of these dogs for 9 months and offered to adopt, is there anything I can legally do? The organization also failed to provide any supplies during the entire time and they have been difficult to work with.
Answer
Rights of foster “parents” and animal rescue organizations are usually contained in a foster agreement so that agreement should be carefully reviewed. Unlike adopting, fostering implies a temporary arrangement. Rescues generally retain ownership of the fostered animal and typically have the right to approve/disapprove of potential adopters. Some agreements give foster “parents” first rights to adopt, but even then rescues generally retain approval rights. I hope that you and the rescue can amicably resolve this dispute in the best interests of the dog.
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