Fostering FAQs

What are the requirements for fostering a Bluebonnet equine?

We ask that all potential adopters join the rescue and apply to become a foster home. Foster homes must be able to provide safe fencing, shelter, water and hay and grain for their fostered horses. Potential foster homes who have little horse experience or little experience rehabilitating horses are mentored by more experienced foster homes.

Does Bluebonnet cover the cost of care for fostering a horse and will I be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses?

Currently, BEHS pays or reimburses for pre-approved veterinary expenses, medications, supplements, and corrective farrier work. BEHS also reimburses for paste de-worming and $10 of every farrier visit. Over time, BEHS plans to reimburse for more expenses as the organization brings in more funds.

Can I foster a horse that I would like to adopt?

If a horse already has a foster home, we do not move him to a new home so that they can test him out before adoption. Exceptions may be made if the current foster home has requested that the horse be moved.

Can you limit your fostering care to emergency circumstances only? Such as hurricanes, floods, tornados?

We don’t make demands on our foster homes - they can foster as much or as little as they like. If you prefer only to be available for natural disasters or similar emergencies, you can do that. You’ll be placed on the fostering email list once approved to foster and you can volunteer in any situation or for any horse you feel comfortable with.

Can I use my veterinarian to treat the horses I foster or must I use a vet approved by the rescue?

You can use any vet you like to treat the horses you foster. You must, however, get pre-approval for all veterinary work. For non-emergency work, you may get approval by emailing the President or Foster Home Coordinator. For emergencies, contact the emergency contact person.

If the fostered equine dies, who is responsible for the animals disposal?

The rescue will cover the cost of disposal. We may need your assistance locating disposal options.

In an emergency, who makes the decision to have the animal put down in an extreme medical situation?

BEHS’ Euthanasia Procedure Policy states that in a life-threatening emergency the foster home should attempt to contact the emergency contact person for euthanasia approval. If the foster home cannot reach any of the listed emergency contacts, he or she shall attempt to contact an officer or director for approval. If he or she cannot reach the emergency contacts, an officer, or a director, the foster home may authorize euthanasia if the attending veterinarian feels the equine needs to be euthanized immediately to prevent suffering. The foster home must then either email or call and leave a message for the emergency contact person within four hours.

What is the average turnover time for an equine in foster care?

There really is no average time. Some horses are with their foster homes only a few weeks while others have stayed with a foster home for years. Generally horses with severe behavioral problems stay in foster care much longer than those with physical problems that can be fixed.