Known biters, aggressive dogs or pets who are simply too ill to be adopted are not offered to new families. Dogs and cats are given any necessary veterinary care before adoption. For example, in some parts of the country, heartworm is epidemic, and a dog will need to be treated for heartworm and placed on preventive medication before adoption. Cats should be tested for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. In nearly every case, the pet will be spayed or neutered before adoption.
Foster homes are responsible for caring for a rescue pet before it is placed for adoption.
Some breeds have little need for foster homes, as they have a long waiting list of prospective adoptive homes, and few being placed for adoption. Other more popular breeds have more calls for pets than they can possibly rescue, and extensive network of foster homes, and an adopting family may even have their choice of animals. Well, first off, for dogs you'd usually get an adult whose chewing phase, housebreaking phase and general puppy wildness are gone. Your dog may come pre-trained, and might even know a few tricks. Adult cats are more laid-back and are often more affectionate.