Have you ever wanted to foster a pet, but don’t know where to start?
It’s true that fostering pets saves lives. The generosity of foster parents provides injured, sick, abused, undersocialized, and death row pets of all ages a second chance to live, grow, and heal before finding their forever homes.
From the biggest animal welfare organizations to the smallest breed groups, fosters are needed – but there are many things to keep in mind in order to have a safe, happy, and rewarding experience for everyone involved (both humans and pets!).
If you’re ready to open your heart and home as a foster, here are our
Top 10 Things to Know About Fostering a Pet
1. The Average Pet Stays in a Foster Home for About Two Months
Puppies may stay only a few weeks, but certain breeds and senior dogs may stay longer. Keep this timeline in mind when it comes to planning the adjustment period and the process of getting them ready to leave.
2. Foster Applications are Required
You must sign and submit a Foster Application and Agreement for review before you’ll ever actually meet a potential foster pet. Questions may include your reasons for wanting to foster; your level of experience with animals; or logistical information about your home and ability to care for animals with special needs.
Once the organization deems you a suitable applicant, you’ll be contacted for a home visit to ensure that you are prepared to foster in your living space. If you are approved, you and your foster pets will be paired based on your stated preferences and the needs of each animal!
3. Prepare Your Pets for a Fostering Experience
If you have pets of your own, make sure they’re prepared. They must be comfortable with other animals coming and going from their home, and be sociable enough to get along with a variety of animal personalities.
Additionally, you’ll need to make sure that everything is good to go medically. Protect all of the animals that will be living in your home by ensuring your own pets are up to date with all vaccinations, and are in good health.
4. Prepare Your Home for a Foster Pet
Animals can be curious and get into places they shouldn’t! Safeguard your belongings and their health by pet-proofing your entire house. Seal off entry/exit points; pay attention to small and dangerous objects like electrical cords, household chemicals, toilets, children’s toys, and poisonous house plants; and make sure toilet lids or any other water sources are sealed shut.
5. Prepare Your Yard for Fostering a Pet
If you have a fenced backyard, make sure that there are no holes for escape or any rogue wires that could cause injury. Make sure the yard is clear of any debris or hazards you wouldn’t want your pet to get into such as scraps, plants, or wild animal nests. Do not leave your foster pet outside unsupervised, and keep them on a leash for their first few trips outside as they explore and get used to this new environment.
6. Fostering A Pet Calls For A Supply List
Stay stocked up on all the essentials like food, treats, medications, litter/bags, beds, toys, etc. You’ll also want to double up to account for multiple pets. For example, if you already have a cat, you will still need a second litter box for a foster cat. You will also need the space, basic training, exercise, and of course, plenty of love!
7. Rules and Discipline for Your Foster Pet
Be strict with yourself and your foster pet – You can’t just be the “cool” uncle or aunt that foster pets get to hang out with! Foster pets require rules and discipline. To make sure they fit in wonderfully with their future owners, train them to follow the same rules you expect your pets to follow.
8. Know Your Limits When It Comes To Fostering A Pet
If you cannot foster your pet anymore, you can return it. However, moving a pet from home to home can be extremely stressful. Give the rescue as much notice as possible to find a new home for the pet.
9. Have Emotional Boundaries for Foster Animals
Don’t get too attached. Be ready to say goodbye. It’s difficult, but part of the process. Remind yourself that you will at some point have to give this pet away to their forever home, but your time together is still valuable and precious. If you have kids, be sure that they understand the situation as well. Explain to them that you are giving these pets a place to stay until a family of their own is ready!
10. Adopting Your Foster Pet Is an Option
But If all else fails, you CAN adopt your foster pet as long as you meet the requirements for adoption. Foster parents have the first choice to adopt their foster pet, but must go through the same process as everyone else and pay the adoption fee.