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.
