North Carolina Central Coast Region

"I have reviewed the Foster FAQs below and I would like to go directly to the online Foster Application."

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. Foster homes allow USERL to save more horses!

How does the foster process work?

Potential foster homes first need to fill out a foster application. An USERL volunteer will contact them to discuss fostering. After this initial interview, USERL will schedule a barn check. Once the foster home is approved, USERL will match incoming horses with the most suitable foster home. Foster homes that can cover the expenses of the horse(s) they are fostering are given priority; however this is not a requirement. Expenses incurred caring for the fostered horse may be wholly or partially tax-deductible - contact your tax advisor.

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 the Equine Program Director.
• Current negative Coggins test
• Health record showing current vaccinations: Please follow the schedule for vaccinations, farrier work and de-worming.
• Feeding program: 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. Many of USERL's horses are still re-gaining weight or have special medical considerations.
• 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 compatible homes than we are with placing them quickly.
• Call USERL when work is done to the horse (vet, farrier, de-worming, etc.) so that we can update the horse's record. You may call 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. Ask your farrier, vet and feed supplier for donations and/or discounts. USERL can provide receipts if desired.

If you are being reimbursed for expenses the following applies:

• Any supplement expense must be pre-approved
• Any costs associated with an USERL horse pertaining to routine care must be pre-approved.
• USERL will only reimburse up to $4.00 per bale for hay unless it has been pre-approved by an USERL board member.
• USERL will only reimburse up to $30.00 per month on bedding expenses unless pre-approved by an USERL board member.
• USERL will only reimburse up to $25.00 in a 6-week period for farrier expenses unless pre-approved by an USERL board member.
• You must submit an original or copy of the receipts for which you are to be reimbursed. Because we make purchases and accept horses into the program based on our expected monthly expenses you must submit receipts on a monthly basis. USERL will not reimburse expenses older than 30 days.

The following must be followed whether you are being reimbursed for expenses or not:

• All visits from the veterinarian must be pre-approved. This includes routine work, such as vaccinations.
• Emergency veterinary care does not need to be pre-approved. USERL's limit on vet expenses 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.

Why does USERL not allow barbed wire?

In a word: safety.  Barbed wire is extremely dangerous for horses. Horses panic easily, even in a familiar environment. A panicked horse can overlook wire strands, and severe injury can result when he runs into or through barbed wire. Wire has a memory of being coiled, and once released from the fence posts it can quickly wrap around a horse's legs, body and neck. The picture below shows the type of injury that can be sustained in a barbed wire accident. The flesh has been ripped away and the bone is exposed. The USERL takes great pride in the protection is affords its rescued horses. It will not allow them to be exposed to fencing which has time and again proven itself to cause injury, disability and death.

 I am interested in fostering. What should I do now?

Fill out an online Foster Application and submit it to USERL.