<aside> 📓 This Policy copied over by Nils H. from this google doc (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aXRR_kIqLXbCYcAuAQlVkCY3kci-3IgbfVYleeAYHSM/edit?usp=sharing ) after community consensus approval at the Community Monday 2024-01-08 Meeting. The Google Doc is maintained by Jess B.
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USTU will grant permission for up to four households at one time to own or foster a dog, limited to one dog per household, excluding long term residents. Fostering and owning a dog will have two separate processes, however the four dog limit will apply collectively to both fostered and owned dogs. Any household approved to foster or adopt must agree to and sign the USTU Dog Foster/Ownership Addendum. Dog foster/ownership spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. If any household is found to be in violation of the USTU Dog Foster/Ownership Addendum or USTU Dog Policy, the USTU board will have the right to terminate that household's permission to own the previously approved dog.
Households applying for dog fostering or ownership approval must be full USTU members in good standing. Applicants in the USTU membership process will not be allowed to apply with a dog.
The USTU Dog Ownership policy is meant to support responsible and restorative dog ownership practices. Any dog approved must come from a reputable rescue or shelter. Exceptions can be made for dogs of family or friends that need to be rehomed. Dogs may not come from breeders or puppy mills.
Any approved dog foster or owner agrees to be an active participant in the ah-hoc Dog Committee. This committee exists to provide skill share, dog care, training support, USTU dog policy support, or to fill any other dog related needs between dog owners, fosters and dog lovers in the community. Meetings and tasks may be determined by the committee on an as-needed basis.
Dog fostering will be approved by the community for one year at a time. Before approval, the household must demonstrate an understanding of the guidelines in the Dog Ownership Addendum and be prepared to answer the following questions and any other questions the community might have:
The community will decide whether or not to approve the request in closed session, making sure all parties are empowered to share concerns, especially people who will be most affected by the dog, like close neighbors.
Once the one year foster period is approved, that household will occupy one of the four spots in USTU dog foster/ownership. If the community does not approve the dog foster request, the household applying may be made aware of any blocking concerns and may attempt to address them outside of the meeting or at future meetings. If concerns are addressed, the potential dog foster may bring their request back to a community meeting.
If the household wishes to continue fostering at the end of one year, they must return to the community to request an additional year. If the fostering household is caring for a dog while the approval period expires, the household may choose to continue to foster the dog until it is adopted, or return it to the rescue.
If a household is fostering a dog and wishes to permanently adopt the dog, they may proceed with the steps for USTU dog ownership. Any time the dog has spent living in the household can be considered a part of the 2-3 month trial period.
The USTU board reserves the right to revoke dog fostering privileges from the household at any point if the household is found to be in violation of the Dog Foster/Ownership addendum.
When a co-op member wishes to adopt a dog, the household will bring a dog ownership request to a community meeting. Before approval, the household must demonstrate an understanding of the guidelines in the Dog Ownership Addendum and be prepared to answer the following questions and any other questions the community might have: