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Pet Assessments
The suitability of all animals in fostering situations needs to be carefully considered as part of the fostering assessment. A formal pet questionnaire will be undertaken where necessary and other animals are considered on an individual basis.
Any applicants who have dogs classified under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 are told that they cannot be considered for fostering. The pet questionnaire includes the nature of the pet, exercise, toileting and feeding routines and any other associated environmental health issues including the pet's sleeping area.
Where there may be concerns about an animal the GSPCA will carry out an assessment of the animal and report back to the fostering and adoption team.
The pet questionnaire is completed annually as part of the health and safety checklist, where applicable.Foster carers must inform the fostering and adoption team if they obtain or intend to obtain a new pet.
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 The following dogs, and also cross-bred pit-bulls, are dangerous dogs under the meaning of the Act:
Actions
Task | Responsible Officer | Record | Timescale |
Establish what pets prospective foster carers have. | Assessing Social Worker | Carers file | On initial visit |
Tell the family that they cannot be considered if they have a dog or any other animal that is considered to pose a risk to a child. | Assessing Social Worker | Carers file | On initial contact |
If they have a dog, or other animal, complete pet questionnaire where appropriate, and, if they have a dog, leave BAAF article "Placing Children with Dog Owning Families". | Assessing Social Worker | During assessment | |
Carers should consult with their supervising social worker with regard to any intention to purchase a dog or potentially dangerous pet. A pet questionnaire must be completed. The potential risk of any newly acquired pet must be considered. | Fostering and adoption team | Pet questionnaire | By the time the dog is six months old. |
Complete pet questionnaire as part of annual review | Fostering and adoption team | Carers file | At annual review |
Refer to GSPCA for assessment if necessary. | Fostering and adoption team. | Carers file | As appropriate |