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Fostering

 

Why Foster?

  • It's free! Most animal shelters and rescues provide necessary food to feed a foster. Often times, they can also provide bedding, crates, treats and toys. Any medical costs or veterinary care are not up to the foster. Of course, check with your local animal shelter or rescue about this, first.
  • Fostering not only saves the life of that pet, but another that takes its place. This is crucial to the lives of pets currently in shelters. 
  • While you can grow attached to your foster pet, it's okay! That's a normal part of the process and shouldn't prevent you from trying out fostering. It's important to know that your foster pet won't be completely devastated being adopted into a new home. Adoption is ultimately the end result. If you're struggling with this, reach out to the shelter staff and/or foster coordinator for support. They've seen it all before and can help put your mind at ease. You might also consider joining fostering groups on Facebook and connecting with the Foster community for additional support.

"Remember that letting go of this one enables you to save another life. If keeping this foster dog means you can’t take in another dog in need, then you could be missing out. And the other dogs in need are definitely missing out." —Petfinder.com

  • A pet that has been in a foster home has a higher chance of being adopted, faster. How? Pets in homes aren't experiencing the stressful environment of a shelter that include a lot of constant noise, overwhelming smells, lack of safe hiding places and more. A home environment reduces the pets stress, making them that much more adoptable to families looking to add a pet to their family. It also helps staff learn more about the pet and their behaviors, mannerisms, play style, socialization (with other animals and people), bathroom habits, etc. Dogs will get some training and a much-needed routine that will help the next family and their transition in a new home. 

Looking for more? Check out these additional resources: 

"Your primary role as a foster parent is to be a loving and patient caretaker while your foster dog acclimates to domestic life. Your “job” as a foster parent is to learn all about the dog’s personality and behaviors, in order to help find a great adopter." —Foster Dogs NYC

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