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Project F.A.I.T.H. (Fostering Animals in Temporary
Homes)
Project
F.A.I.T.H. was launched in 2002 as a way to help the pets of families
in crisis. In times of crisis, a family needs the peace of mind to know
its companion animals will be in safe hands. The crises vary and include:
families affected by domestic violence, hospitalization, or disasters.
To minimize the stress on the pet, no family visits are allowed during
the time the pet is in the care of the agency. However, updates on the
pet's status - and reassurances - can be provided.
Victims
of domestic violence must be referred to the program through a case
manager from one of our community's three domestic violence shelters
or from local law enforcement. The location of the pets is kept strictly
confidential.
All Project
F.A.I.T.H. pets are accepted on a space available basis and are housed
in secure locations for up to 30 days. Before the pets can be accepted
into the program, the owner must complete Custody Release and Pet Profile
forms for each of the pets to be received by the SPCA of Central Florida.
Owners
also sign that they understand the pets may become the property of the
SPCA of Central Florida if they do not remain in weekly contact with
the agency during this time and/or if they are not able to assume all
responsibility for the pet(s) following the approved time of sheltering.
Once in
the custody of the agency, each pet is evaluated by staff and a care
plan developed. All dogs and cats accepted into the program must
be spayed/neutered either before entry into the program or while in
the care of the agency. In addition, all pets will be tested and
vaccinated as necessary, and evaluated for other health or nutritional
needs.
There
is generally no fee to the client for any of the services provided to
the pets in this program for those families impacted by domestic
violence, hospitalization or disasters.
Families
needing temporary sheltering for their pets due to loss of housing
will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Documentation regarding their
hardship situation may be required before temporary sheltering will
be considered. In addition, a daily fee for care may be charged
as well as a fee for any medical care, including spay/neuter surgery,
tests and vaccinations. Very limited space is available for these
situations.
Please
note: In our experience, problems associated with economic hardship
or loss of housing generally cannot be resolved within the 30 day period
of the Project F.A.I.T.H. program. While we know it is a difficult personal
decision, we recommend pet owners give serious consideration to relinquishing
permanent custody of the pet(s) to the agency. This will allow the professionals
of the agency to make decisions for the long term benefit of the pet(s)….
and that's our top priority.
Please
contact the SPCA of Central Florida at 407-351-7722 Ext. 240 for more
information.
