The Bond Between Collaborates with Ronald McDonald House

The Bond Between started a collaborative partnership with the Ronald McDonald House by providing respite foster care for furry family members of the families that are going through a long term medical treatment.

The Bond Between founder Rachel Mairose and the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Jill Evenocheck joined KARE 11 News to announce the collaboration.

“We are happy that we are providing lodging, food and all the necessities while their kids are getting treated in the hospital. But what about their pets at home? Some would have to give them to their neighbor or have another family member help out, but sometimes sadly they go to shelters where they are going to be there for 60 days or longer” - says Jill Evenocheck.

What is the mission of the Respite foster care program?

The respite foster care program provides temporary foster care for owned animals. The program supports pet owners who are unable to care for their pets due to long term medical treatments or if they are in a dangerous situation where they are pushed to surrender their furry family member. We do this by providing temporary, quality pet care in loving foster homes. 

The partnership aims to avoid families giving up on their pets because they don’t have someone to take care of their furry family members during a medical crisis. Through the Respite Foster care program around the Twin cities, families can stay together during a medical crisis and the children can meet their pets.

How long can I leave my pet with a Respite Foster?

The Respite Foster care program usually takes care of pets for up to 90 days, but for the Ronald McDonald House partnership, we are extending it a little bit because in certain circumstances the treatment could be longer and families would need the support for more than 3 months. From what we have seen, the average amount of time for a respite foster care is usually 63 days.

How can I support The bond Between Respite Foster care program?

The greatest need is volunteer foster homes to keep the pets of families going through a medical challenge, while their owners get help from the Ronald McDonald House. Fostering options include short-term (up to 72 hours) or long-term (up to 90 days or more). Fostering is completely free and The Bond Between provides all the necessary supplies. If you ever consider fostering a pet please checkout our available animals that need a Foster home. Transport volunteers are also needed around the Twin Cities to help move animals and supplies throughout the fostering process and you can apply for multiple volunteering opportunities at our Bond Between Website.

If you would like to become a respite care foster home, please email respite@thebondbetween.org to learn more about available foster opportunities.