Why should I foster pets?

Fostering saves lives. Many pets are frightened and overly stressed in a shelter. Being in a home environment allows pets to relax and thrive. You also get to know the pet, learn important information for potential adopters, and help it find the right home. Fostering is a good option for people such as college students or those in the military who love animals but are currently unable to make a lifetime commitment to a pet. You also learn about pets and whether you and family members might want to adopt one. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you’ll feel good and so will the pets you foster!

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What’s a foster home and what pets need fostering?

A foster home is a temporary home where a pet can relax and get the love and care it needs until it’s adopted into its forever home. While dogs and cats are the most common pets needing foster homes, rabbits, birds and even farm animals may need fostering too.

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Can I foster if I live in an apartment?

Size doesn’t really matter. As long as you have a safe and secure home, you should be able to foster pets. Be sure to check your rental agreement to see if it’s okay to foster pets and if there are any restrictions.

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Can fostering accommodate my schedule?

Fostering can accommodate different schedules and lifestyles. Puppies, kittens and pets needing medical care or training take more time than pets that are content to relax at home while you’re gone. Short-term fostering for a few days is another option. Be a substitute fosterer when foster parents need a break or go on vacation.

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How do I foster?

Find a shelter or rescue with a foster program and check its policies and procedures. Shelters have dogs, cats and other animals. Rescues usually specialize in a type of animal and some are breed specific. A foster orientation may be required so you understand the program and your responsibilities as well as get answers to questions you might have.

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Who pays for my foster pet’s care?

In general, the shelter or rescue provides food, bedding and necessary veterinary care for its foster pets. Animal shelters and rescues have their own foster policies and requirements, so be sure to find out what they are.

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What are my fostering responsibilities?

Consider the amount of time you have and your knowledge of pets and their care. Caring for a healthy, well-behaved pet requires less time and skills than caring for newborn puppies, kittens or pets needing medical care or training. Most shelters and rescues microchip pets before they are fostered and provide pet food, bedding, collars with ID tags, and needed medical care. Veterinary care is usually provided by the shelter or a designated clinic.

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Does it matter if I already have a pet?

Be sure to consider how your pets would respond to a foster pet. Shelters and rescues can also help you determine what kind of foster pet would be good with your pets. Foster pets may need to be isolated from resident pets temporarily or throughout the foster.

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How can I help my foster pet find a good home?

Know the adoption policies and procedures of the organization for which you are fostering. Most shelters and rescues promote their foster pets and do the adoptions. However, you can help spread the word about a foster pet and provide important information about how the pet is in your home.

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How do I say goodbye to my foster pet and keep in touch?

Even if your foster pet is going to a wonderful home, it can be hard to say goodbye. Many foster parents stay in touch with adopters getting photos and updates of the pets enjoying life in their forever homes.

 

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Can I adopt my foster pet?

Yes. Fostering is a good way to find a pet of your own. If you meet the shelter or rescue requirements for adoption you should be able to adopt your foster pet. To be sure, check with your shelter or rescue group.

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Fostering Resources

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