Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long as Furry Friends Network been helping homeless animals?
A: Since the spring of 2001.

Q: How many successful adoptions has your organization facilitated?
A: Since the organization's inception in 2001, Furry Friends Network has facilitated the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of approximately 300 homeless dogs and cats into new homes each year.

Q: Does FFN allow people who live outside of PA adopt our animals?
A: YES! An application must be received and approved. In addition, a home visit will be done with help from a rescue in the adopter’s area.

Q: Where do you get your puppies/kittens and why do you pick these places?
A: We get our animals from various sources. Some come from shelters where they are scheduled to be killed, some come in as strays and some are surrendered by their families who no longer want them.

Q: How do you find homes for all of your puppies/kittens?
A: Most of our adoptive homes are found through posting our animals on www.petfinder.com. We also have adoption days at the Mechanicsburg, Carlisle, Lancaster, and York PA PetSmart stores. Our PetSmart Adoption Days dates are posted on the FFN Web Site Adoptathon Schedule. There are also various events at which we feature our adoptive animals.

Q: Why do some of your animals say they are in a high kill shelter?
A: Furry Friends provides help to a few shelters out of state where there are massive overpopulation problems, so we often respond to their pleas for help. One shelter is an outdoor only facility, while another shelter uses a gas chamber to euthanize animals when the shelter gets too crowded. By placing these animals on our website, we are able to make people aware of these animals and have facilitated adoptions to homes across the country.

Q: Why is this animal in your program and can I get more information about it?
A: Animals are in our program for various reasons. Some come from shelters where they are scheduled to be killed, some come in as strays and some are surrendered by their families who no longer want them. We place them in foster care and rely on their foster parents to provide as much information as possible on them. If you have questions about a particular animal, please send us an email at ffndoginfo@yahoo.com or ffncats@yahoo.com and we will get a response from the foster family.

Q: Can I come to visit your shelter/animals?
A: Furry Friends Network is a group of volunteers who work to find temporary foster homes for animals until a permanent home can be found. We are not a shelter and all of our animals are not kept in one specific place. However, upon successful completion and approval of your adoption application (including home visit), we will gladly schedule a visit between you and the pet(s) you wish to adopt.

Q: Why should I pay for an animal from your organization when there are so many "Free to a good home" animals available?
A: Because those "free" animals are going to need vet care that you will have to pay for anyway. Our adoption fees guarantee that the animal has been seen by a licensed vet and has already been given all necessary medical care. We pride ourselves on making sure that every animal we sponsor gets exceptional care. Before entering our program, most of the animals have never even been to a vet before. To bring their medical care up to date costs a considerable amount of money. In fact, our veterinary bills normally add up to much more than we are able to recoup through the adoption fee alone.

Q: How long will the adoption process take and what do I have to do?
A: The exact amount of time varies with each adoption, but we try to move the adoption process along as quickly as possible. After you complete an online application, you will receive an acknowledgement from us that your application is being processed. Next your vet will be called to verify that your current pets have been spayed/neutered, are current on vaccinations (please be sure to let your vet know someone from our organization will be calling), and that both cats and dogs are seen by the vet at least annually. We also ensure that all dogs are on heartworm medication. After the vet check is completed, your references will be called. A home visit will follow, arranged at a convenient time for you and the volunteer who will visit you. If all requirements are met, it is just a matter of choosing a date when your new forever friend will be happily placed into your waiting arms.

Q: Why do you perform home visits, and what is involved?
A: We perform home visits to ensure we are placing our animals into safe environments. Many of them have been removed from horrible conditions. It is our mission to place them in better situations where they will be loved and live happy lives. In addition, we want to meet the adoptive family to ensure this animal will be a good match for you. We try to consider all of the factors that will help make a FOREVER placement. A volunteer, either from our organization or another rescue (depending on the distance) will schedule a time to meet with you and will tour your home asking where the animal will sleep, where the animal will be kept when you’re not home, check the condition of outdoor fencing (as applicable), etc. We are not checking for your style or preference of décor, but rather checking to see if your household will be a good match and provide a safe environment for the adoptive animal!

Q: Do I have to fill out a 2nd application if someone else adopts the animal I’m interested in?
A: No, you are given the option on the application to list specific names of animals in our program or the breed of animal you are looking to adopt.

Q: I submitted my application a few days ago. Why haven't I heard anything back yet?
A: Furry Friends Network is a group of volunteers who help out in our spare time. Although we are very dedicated to the animals, we all work, have children or other commitments in our lives. Since the processing of applications could take a week or more, please understand that we do try to process applications and facilitate adoptions as quickly as humanly possible.

Q: I applied for an animal that you say isn't good with children, but I really like this animal. If I promise to supervise my kids around this animal, could I adopt it anyway?
A: We strive for good matches when it comes to pets and their potential new families. Some animals have certain issues that must be taken into consideration. Although you might have good intentions, it would not be fair to you or the animal for a “mismatched” adoption to occur.

Q: I would like to take the puppy/kitten home for a few days to see if it fits in well with my family first. Could we do this if we’re not sure we will be able to keep it?
A: It is very stressful for animals to be moved from place to place. Keep in mind the "furry friends" in our program have been moved at least once already. In order to limit the stress the animals will incur, we allow pets to move to their approved homes after the adoption agreement is signed with the commitment to help the animal adjust to its final move into its forever home. Time can certainly be spent with any animal in our program at its foster home or during the home visit.

Q: I have to work 8 hours each day; does this disqualify me from adopting a puppy?
A: Puppies require a lot of time and training. They are much like bringing home a newborn human baby, except they don’t wear diapers. Puppies cannot hold their bladders for even 2 hours at 8 weeks of age. Therefore, housebreaking a puppy becomes almost impossible. We realize most people have to work full time, but ask that you consider the puppy’s needs in your decision making process. Unless you can come home at lunch or have a family member or pet sitter that can help your puppy while you are at work, we cannot consider adopting puppies to families that are away from home for more than 4 hours at a time.

Q: Why do my inside cats have to be current on their vaccinations?
A: It is a misconception that indoor cats are not at risk for infection. Did you know that you can bring Parvo and Distemper into your home on your shoes from outside? Parvo and Distemper live in the ground and are very hardy. Therefore, any exposure to an unvaccinated cat is a risk factor. In addition, even though you may want to adopt a dog, your dog goes in and out as well and can potentially carry something into your home. Finally, a current Rabies shot is the LAW. New vaccination standards for cats mandate vaccinations every three years. Some vets still follow the annual vaccination regiment. No matter what your vet recommends, yearly exams are beneficial to your cat in the event that a problem can be detected and treated before it’s too late. You take your children to the doctor for vaccinations and check-ups, why not your cats too?

Q: Can we speak directly to the foster family of the pet we hope to adopt or are we limited to email?
A: Arrangements can/will be made for you to speak to the foster family of your soon-to-be pet.

Q: Are there any advantages to adopting an older animal rather than a puppy/kitten?
A: Most often an older animal has already gone through the chewing, house soiling, and overactive baby stages. An older animal may adjust to your routine more quickly and, of course, will give you a great deal of loyalty and love. There are SO many reasons why you should consider an older animal. Contact us, we’ll tell you why!

Q: Will I be given information about caring for and feeding my new pet?
A: Any information we have about the pet’s background, foster home experience, feeding schedule, and daily routine will be passed on to you through the foster family. The foster family will be happy to answer any/all additional questions you may have.

Q: What kinds of things should I purchase from a pet store to get ready for my new pet?
A: Puppies and dogs come with a collar and leash. You will also receive a starter amount of the dog food that is currently being fed. You can use this to transition to whatever brand of food you prefer. We also send along an adoption kit that contains lots of goodies and a few toys to get you started. Other things you might need immediately are a crate or dog bed, transport kennel and an ID tag.

Cats and kittens are also sent home with an adoption kit that contains food, lots of goodies and a few toys to get you started. You will need a cat carrier and a litter pan before the arrival of your new addition.

Q: Are we responsible for veterinary care or do you take care of that?
A: Furry Friends will be responsible for all veterinary care up until the adoption is completed. At that time we expect you to have a vet lined up to care for your new addition. We do suggest that all adopted animals have a vet visit within the first month of adoption just to be sure all parasites are cleared up and to establish a relationship with their new doctor.

Q: How soon will I need to take my pet to the vet, and how will I know what needs to be done?
A: Your pet will come with a complete medical history. This will include information on any required vet visits that need to be scheduled and when they are due. The medical history will also include instructions on any medications your pet might currently be receiving.

Furry Friends always recommends that you take your new pet to the vet for a 'wellness' checkup shortly after your adoption, even if there are no required visits needed. You can take along the information we provided you, and your vet can keep or copy any papers they want for their own files.

Fostering FAQs

Q: Why is fostering necessary?
A: Furry Friends Network has no shelter and is reliant upon a fostering network to provide temporary homes for our animals. Our animals are kept in foster homes until they are placed in permanent loving homes of their own. We currently have limited foster resources, and as a result we often have to turn animals in need away because there is no one to foster them.

Q: What do I need to foster?
A: Personal Qualities – If you want to foster, you should consider yourself to be a compassionate, patient and committed person. You will also need to be flexible and to have a practical attitude. A good sense of humor is most helpful too. These qualities will enable you to help a dog or cat recover from the trauma of being displaced and make a good adjustment to a new home.

Suitable Home – A fenced yard is optimum but no necessary. If you rent a home, you need to have your landlord’s permission to have a dog or cat living with you, even on a temporary basis.

Time at Home – You shouldn’t foster if you plan to be away on a trip soon after you take in a foster animal. You should plan -at least- an hour per day for care and exercise of the animal. You should also plan to spend significant time with the animal each day, just being in each other’s company.

Experience – You don’t need to have fostered in the past. However, some experience with animals is good to have. If you have experience with a particular breed, it would make sense to foster that breed. Providing some simple training or re-training of basic obedience is desirable; and in some circumstances, attending a dog training class may be necessary. If you are a first-time foster, we will help determine which animal would be best for your situation and what information on breeds, behavior and training will be useful to you.

Equipment – Everything is supplied to you. Food, dishes, leash, collar, treats, toys and medications will be provided as needed. A crate is a convenient piece of equipment for foster animals and can be provided if needed. If you already have a pet bed, that’s great. If not, old blankets and towels make a comfortable place for your foster to sleep.

Q: What if I already have another pet or pets?
A: Many people with another pet or pets, foster animals. We gather as much information as possible on the background of our rescue animals and their ability to get along with other animals and children. You, of course, need to know your own pets’ abilities to adjust to a visiting dog or cat.

Q: What are foster home responsibilities?
A: Foster homes provide the love and shelter while Furry Friends Network pays for food, toys, crates if necessary, and all medical care. A foster home is invaluable because the foster parent gains insight to the animal's personality to help us better match them with the perfect home. The foster parent needs to be able to transport the animal (as applicable) to and from vet appointments. In addition, our foster animals are taken to our weekend pet adoption events for people to meet them. It is a very good idea to participate since these create interest in the foster animal(s). If you want to be involved in your foster animal’s adoption, you can help process adoption applications submitted for your animal or help with the home visits. By doing so, you have the opportunity to get to know the prospective adopters for your foster animal. You will be able to see the interaction between the animal and the family and help with the adoption decision.

Q: How long does a fostering situation usually last?
A: The average time an animal is usually fostered is several weeks; however, it could be as little as a few days or as long as several months. Foster animals get adopted at different paces depending on age, breed, gender and ability to get along with children and other animals. Although it is preferable for the animal to remain in one foster home until it finds a permanent home, we realize this is not always possible. Foster parents have the right to discontinue fostering at any time for any reason. So if you can foster for a couple of days, weeks or months, your services can be useful!

Q: What if I get attached to the animal I foster?
A: While it is not uncommon to become attached to an animal you are fostering, we often remind ourselves that our main goal is to save the animal’s life. Without a foster home, that animal wouldn't get a second chance at life. Foster families very often keep in touch with the adoptive family to check on the animal's progress. It also makes many of us feel better to know that releasing our fosters to a new, loving home enables us to again take in and give a chance at life to another animal. Each animal you help takes a little piece of your heart, and that hurts, but knowing you saved a life and can possibly save even more makes it all worth it! Of course, if you absolutely cannot see yourself giving up the foster animal and can accommodate them in your home, adoption is a consideration.

General FAQs

Pre-Adoption FAQs

Post-Adoption FAQs

Fostering FAQs