We all know that pets can have a positive impact on our lives. And if you haven’t been paying attention, the studies even show that they can have a very positive impact on your health. (Check out this blog!: https://www.positivehealthwellness.com/fitness/need-know-pets-improving-health/) Have you ever wanted to help an animal in need but were not able to make the commitment of adoption? Fostering a shelter pet is a great way to make a difference in an animal’s life by providing a temporary safe place for him or her to be loved, while a shelter or animal rescue uses the time to find the animal a permanent home. The 5 W’s below can help you discover if fostering is right for you!
Who can foster a shelter pet?
- In order to be a foster parent, you must be a nurturing, a loving, and a compassionate person!
- Everyone you live with must be on board with the decision to bring an animal in.
- Typically, you must be 18 years or older.
- You will need to have some basic animal care and behavior knowledge.
- You must be willing to be flexible, and the length of time that you foster an animal will vary based on each animal’s situation.
- Additionally, you may be asked to attend a training session, and a shelter or rescue group staff member may ask to visit your home to make sure it is suitable before your first foster animal.
What does fostering a shelter pet involve?
- When you foster, you take home a homeless animal and give him or her a loving place to grow, live, or recover, depending on the situation.
When are foster homes needed?
- Rescue groups do not always have a physical shelter to hold animals, and they depend on foster homes to care for animals until suitable homes are found.
- Foster homes are needed when puppies or kittens are too young to be adopted and need a safe place to stay until he or she is old enough to go to a new home.
- An animal that is recovering from surgery, illness or injury, needs a safe place to recover.
- An animal that needs to be socialized in order to be ready for adoption is a good candidate for a foster home.
Where can I sign up to foster a shelter pet?
- Locate and contact a local shelter near you! They will likely have a foster application for you to fill out and, once approved, they will help you find the right animal for your space.
Why should I foster a shelter pet?
- Fostering is a very rewarding experience, especially knowing that you are helping an animal that might otherwise not have somewhere to stay.
- You are opening a space in a shelter for another animal.
- You are helping an animal become more comfortable in a home environment around different people and other pets.
- You are (situation depending) helping an animal recover.
Are you a foster parent? Have you fostered animals in your home in the past? Tell us about your experiences! For more information before you foster, check out https://www.petfinder.com/animal-shelters-and-rescues/fostering-dogs/before-you-foster/
