I have reviewed the Foster FAQs and I would like to go directly to the online Foster Application
Fostering a horse in need is a wonderful experience to both the horse and the foster family. It's a stepping stone of healing and training that gives a horse the one-on-one attention they need and have a second chance at a better future!
Why does USERL use foster homes?
USERL does not own a farm and does not have access to a stable at any one location to accommodate all horses in the program. We believe that the horses brought into the USERL program receive more individualized care at a foster facility, allowing them to progress through the rehabilitation process with fewer complications. You can never replace the one on one attention provided by a wonderful foster family! This also keeps overhead costs down, giving the horses the bulk of donation funds rather than maintaining property and facilities. It is a community network to assist horses in your area that need help.
What related foster expenses does USERL cover?
Foster homes that can cover the expenses of the horse(s) they are fostering are given priority and are the norm; however, horses in rehabilitation with high care costs qualify for assistance from USERL. Veterinary care is the most expensive and an unknown with any horses (injury, illness). Therefore, USERL typically covers veterinary expenses while the foster covers feed, hay and farrier costs. Expenses incurred caring for the fostered horse (feed, hay, vet, farrier, equipment) are tax deductible as a donation to USERL, a federal registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
What are USERL's foster requirements?
Foster farms must be adequate and safe for equine. No barbed wire allowed for fencing and horses must have access to shelter if needed from inclement weather (can be a stable/barn or run-in shed. Run-in sheds should have sufficient walls to protect from wind/precipitation). Veterinarian and farrier references are required on the application. If you have not had horses for some time and do not have a current equine vet, you may use your small animal veterinarian for the reference.
How does the foster process work?
Potential foster homes first need to fill out a foster application. A USERL volunteer will contact them to discuss fostering. After this initial interview, USERL will schedule a facility check and call vet/farrier references. Once the foster home is approved, USERL will match the foster with a suitable horse(s) for their equine experience level.
What rules apply to foster homes? Following are USERL's "Guidelines for Foster Homes."
Before making any changes to diet, medical or farrier care, you need to contact USERL for approval.
Horses will arrive at your property with the following documents. If you do not receive these documents, please call your foster coordinator.
All horses will arrive with a current negative Coggins test.
All horses will arrive with a health record showing current vaccinations: Please follow the schedule for vaccinations, farrier work and de-worming.
All horses will arrive with a specified Feeding program: our rehabilitation and feeding programs have been developed in conjunction with veterinarians for each animal. If the feeding program will cause you a huge inconvenience, please call USERL to discuss alternatives. Please do not deviate from this program without approval as many of USERL's horses are still re-gaining weight or have special medical considerations.
If (or when) your horse is out of rehabilitation/court, pre-screened prospective adopters will be calling you about the fostered horse and scheduling visits. When speaking with potential adopters about the horse, please be very honest. We are more concerned with placing horses in long-term, compatible homes than we are with placing them quickly. The adoption coordinator in your region will be overseeing the adoption process.
Call or email USERL when work is done to the horse (vet, farrier, de-worming, etc.) so that we can update the horse's medical record. You may call/email at the end of each month if you prefer.
Horses must have fresh, clean water available at all times. If USERL needs to provide you with an extra bucket, please call.
Avoid paying full price whenever possible. Ask your farrier, vet and feed supplier for donations and/or discounts. USERL can provide receipts if desired.
Any costs associated with an USERL horse pertaining to routine care must be pre-approved.
All visits from the veterinarian must be pre-approved (except in the case of an emergency). This includes routine work, such as vaccinations.
Emergency veterinary care does not need to be pre-approved. USERL's limit on vet expenses per emergency is $2,000, so any care expected to cost above that would require euthanasia of the equine. Please make every attempt to get in touch with an USERL board member before making that decision.
Any changes to the horse's diet must be pre-approved, excluding 1- 2 lb. feed changes to keep weight consistent. This includes supplements.
I am interested in fostering. What should I do now?
Fill out an online Foster Application and submit it to USERL. You should follow up in a week, if you have not received a response, with a phone call or e-mail to make sure your application has been received.
Fostering a horse in need is a wonderful experience to both the horse and the foster family. It's a stepping stone of healing and training that gives a horse the one-on-one attention they need and have a second chance at a better future!
Why does USERL use foster homes?
USERL does not own a farm and does not have access to a stable at any one location to accommodate all horses in the program. We believe that the horses brought into the USERL program receive more individualized care at a foster facility, allowing them to progress through the rehabilitation process with fewer complications. You can never replace the one on one attention provided by a wonderful foster family! This also keeps overhead costs down, giving the horses the bulk of donation funds rather than maintaining property and facilities. It is a community network to assist horses in your area that need help.
What related foster expenses does USERL cover?
Foster homes that can cover the expenses of the horse(s) they are fostering are given priority and are the norm; however, horses in rehabilitation with high care costs qualify for assistance from USERL. Veterinary care is the most expensive and an unknown with any horses (injury, illness). Therefore, USERL typically covers veterinary expenses while the foster covers feed, hay and farrier costs. Expenses incurred caring for the fostered horse (feed, hay, vet, farrier, equipment) are tax deductible as a donation to USERL, a federal registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
What are USERL's foster requirements?
Foster farms must be adequate and safe for equine. No barbed wire allowed for fencing and horses must have access to shelter if needed from inclement weather (can be a stable/barn or run-in shed. Run-in sheds should have sufficient walls to protect from wind/precipitation). Veterinarian and farrier references are required on the application. If you have not had horses for some time and do not have a current equine vet, you may use your small animal veterinarian for the reference.
How does the foster process work?
Potential foster homes first need to fill out a foster application. A USERL volunteer will contact them to discuss fostering. After this initial interview, USERL will schedule a facility check and call vet/farrier references. Once the foster home is approved, USERL will match the foster with a suitable horse(s) for their equine experience level.
What rules apply to foster homes? Following are USERL's "Guidelines for Foster Homes."
Before making any changes to diet, medical or farrier care, you need to contact USERL for approval.
Horses will arrive at your property with the following documents. If you do not receive these documents, please call your foster coordinator.
All horses will arrive with a current negative Coggins test.
All horses will arrive with a health record showing current vaccinations: Please follow the schedule for vaccinations, farrier work and de-worming.
All horses will arrive with a specified Feeding program: our rehabilitation and feeding programs have been developed in conjunction with veterinarians for each animal. If the feeding program will cause you a huge inconvenience, please call USERL to discuss alternatives. Please do not deviate from this program without approval as many of USERL's horses are still re-gaining weight or have special medical considerations.
If (or when) your horse is out of rehabilitation/court, pre-screened prospective adopters will be calling you about the fostered horse and scheduling visits. When speaking with potential adopters about the horse, please be very honest. We are more concerned with placing horses in long-term, compatible homes than we are with placing them quickly. The adoption coordinator in your region will be overseeing the adoption process.
Call or email USERL when work is done to the horse (vet, farrier, de-worming, etc.) so that we can update the horse's medical record. You may call/email at the end of each month if you prefer.
Horses must have fresh, clean water available at all times. If USERL needs to provide you with an extra bucket, please call.
Avoid paying full price whenever possible. Ask your farrier, vet and feed supplier for donations and/or discounts. USERL can provide receipts if desired.
Any costs associated with an USERL horse pertaining to routine care must be pre-approved.
All visits from the veterinarian must be pre-approved (except in the case of an emergency). This includes routine work, such as vaccinations.
Emergency veterinary care does not need to be pre-approved. USERL's limit on vet expenses per emergency is $2,000, so any care expected to cost above that would require euthanasia of the equine. Please make every attempt to get in touch with an USERL board member before making that decision.
Any changes to the horse's diet must be pre-approved, excluding 1- 2 lb. feed changes to keep weight consistent. This includes supplements.
I am interested in fostering. What should I do now?
Fill out an online Foster Application and submit it to USERL. You should follow up in a week, if you have not received a response, with a phone call or e-mail to make sure your application has been received.
Foster FAQs
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