Join NORTHSTAR EQUINE REHAB AND RESCUE

What are the advantages of adoption?

Adoption is a wonderful way to get a horse. Northstar Equine Rehab and Rescue horses have gone on to make great companions, trail horses, children’s horses and show horses. When you adopt, not only do you get a great horse but also you know you are helping a formerly abused or neglected horse find a great home. When you adopt, you get a horse who has current vaccinations and a current Coggins test. The horse has had his teeth examined and floated if needed and is current on de-wormer and farrier work. The horse has been evaluated to the best of our abilities, and if your adopted horse doesn’t work out, you can return him/her.

Are there any restrictions on what I can do with an adopted horse?Yes

Northstar  does not allow adopters to breed their adopted horses or sell them or give them away. However there are no restrictions on the type of riding, showing, competing or work adopters can do with their horse as long as the horse is properly cared for.

How do I adopt a horse?

Adopters must complete an adoption application. Once Northstar receives a complete  adoption application and membership fee, the Adoption Coordinator will contact the potential adopter to discuss any issues or to arrange for a meeting between the adopter and the horse(s) he/she is interested in. When the adopter meets a horse he/she wishes to adopt, he/she will sign an adoption contract, pay an adoption fee and transport the horse home.

How long does it take to adopt?

It varies. Some adoptions take as little as a few days to complete while others may take several weeks. If the adopter is flexible with when he can schedule the home visit, the adoption often occurs very quickly.

What qualifications does it take to adopt?

Adopters must have a safe place to keep their horse. Fences should be in good repair and the horse needs access to shelter and plentiful water. The adopter should have another horse to serve as a companion to the adopted horse or be prepared to adopt a companion.

Can I meet the horse I want to adopt before I apply?

Northstar requires potential adopters to be approved before going to meet the horses they are interested in. This protects the rescue from liability issues.

How much does it cost to adopt?

Adoption fees vary. Non-ridable/companion only horses do not have an adoption fee. Other fees are based on the horse’s health, abilities, training and age. Adoption fees are not negotiable.

Why do I need to pay a membership fee in order to adopt?

The membership fee helps cover the cost of getting adopters approved. We used to charge a processing fee, but we changed that to a membership fee instead. Memberships are good for twelve months (instead of a calendar year) and members receive free admission to some events and discounted admission to others.

What areas do you adopt to?

We adopt horses throughout Minnesota  will also consider adoptionson different  states on a case by case basis.

What are the requirements for fostering a Northstar equine?

We ask that all potential foster homes  join the rescue and apply to become a foster home. Foster homes must be able to provide safe fencing, shelter (in many situations trees can provide adequate shelter), water and hay and grain for their fostered horses. Potential foster homes who have little horse experience or little experience rehabilitating horses are mentored by more experienced foster homes.

Does Northstar  cover the cost of care for fostering a horse and will I be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses?

Currently, Northstar ays or reimburses for pre-approved veterinary expenses, pre-approved medications, pre-approved supplements, and pre-approved corrective farrier work. Northstar lso reimburses for paste de-worming and for hoof trimming.  NORTHSTAR eimburses for pre-approved corrective shoeing (if medically necessary).

Over time, Northstar plans to reimburse for more expenses as the organization brings in more funds.

Can I foster a horse that I would like to adopt?

If a horse already has a foster home, we do not move him to a new home so that they can test him out before adoption. Exceptions may be made if the current foster home has requested that the horse be moved.  The adoption contract does include a trial period of 30 days: 

Can you limit your fostering care to emergency circumstances only? 

We don’t make demands on our foster homes – 

Can I use my veterinarian to treat the horses I foster or must I use a vet approved by the rescue?

You can use any vet you like to treat the horses you foster. You must, however, get pre-approval for all veterinary work. For non-emergency work, you may get approval by emailing the President or Foster Home Coordinator. For emergencies, contact the emergency contact person.

If the fostered equine dies, who is responsible for the animals disposal?

The rescue will cover the cost of disposal. We may need your assistance locating disposal options.

In an emergency, who makes the decision to have the animal euthanized in an extreme medical situation?

NORTHSTAR Euthanasia Procedure Policy states that in a life-threatening emergency the foster home should attempt to contact the emergency contact person for euthanasia approval. If the foster home cannot reach any of the listed emergency contacts, he or she shall attempt to contact an officer or director for approval. If he or she cannot reach the emergency contacts, an officer, or a director, the foster home may authorize euthanasia if the attending veterinarian feels the equine needs to be euthanized immediately to prevent suffering. The foster home must then either email or call and leave a message for the emergency contact person within four hours.

What is the average turnover time for an equine in foster care?

There really is no average time. Some horses are with their foster homes only a few weeks while others have stayed with a foster home for years. Generally horses with severe behavioral problems stay in foster care much longer than those with physical problems that can be fixed.

This fostering applications seems long!  Isn’t there a shorter version?

Our application used to be shorter, but when we eliminated the pre-foster home visit/inspection, we had to add the information we normally would gather during that visit (such as questions about your facility) to the application.  It made it longer, but it means you don’t have to have a pre-foster home visit and can get approved to foster more quickly.

Are there any tax benefits to fostering?

Yes!  Since Northstar is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization, expenses incurred on behalf of your foster horses may be tax deductible.  This includes hay, grain, fly spray, halters, leads, dhavings, etc.  You cannot deduct additions to your property such as stalls, fences, barns, etc. – even if they are used for fostering horses – since these are permanent additions to your property.  Save your receipts and keep a list of expenses for your accountant when it is tax time.