You’ve heard of foster care for kids, but what about for pets? Pet fostering is a phenomenal way to volunteer, and it helps not only animals but sometimes even their original families. Fostering may seem sad because you imagine becoming attached to an animal and then having to let them go, but many people who try fostering just once end up becoming repeat caregivers because it’s so rewarding.
What is pet foster care?
Pet foster care can be temporary caregiving for animals who are rescues and in need of a permanent home. It can also mean helping animals who have full time homes, but whose owners are going through unexpected circumstances that prevent them from caring for their pet. For example, if someone has cancer or faces military deployment, they may be temporarily unable to care for their pet but eventually want their pet to return home full time.
Who does fostering help?
Pet foster care obviously helps animals, but it also helps their original or future families. Fostering can save animals from kill shelters and homelessness, and eventually these animals will find a loving, full time home. Fostering can also help families who want to keep their pet in the long term, but can’t care for them for a few weeks or months due to medical conditions or unexpected circumstances.
What’s the benefit to my family?
Lots of people think it will be too hard to love an animal and then let them move on, but many people who foster just once find the experience so wonderful they want to do it again and again. Fostering is a great chance to see how well you connect with various breeds before committing to a long-term relationship with an animal of your own. It can also teach children about the responsibilities of caring for an animal so they understand the full impact of promises to care for a kitty or puppy before adopting one.
How can I get started?
Contact your local humane society or pet adoption volunteer agency to ask for more information. You can also contact your local pet clinic or animal hospital for recommendations on the best organizations to partner with. Sites such as www.petfinder.com can also lead you to breed specific foster groups.
If you want to help animals but can’t commit to full time care for the lifetime of a pet, or if your family wants a pet and you’re not sure about how your kids will handle the long-term responsibility, fostering is a fantastic outlet that simultaneously helps animals in need.