Are You Ready to Become a Foster parent?
A foster parent’s guide
If you enjoying caring for animals but are not ready to adopt, and your lifestyle and circumstances allow it, you might consider becoming a foster parent. Fostering gives shelter animals the best possible chance of being adopted, and it is a very rewarding experience for the foster parent too!
First things first
Before you start contacting shelters to apply to be a foster parent, think through the implications of this decision carefully. Take a look at FOUR PAWS’ foster parent’s guide to help you decide if fostering is right for you:
Are you ready to become a foster parent?
- Do you have enough time to care for an animal?
- What type of animal are you prepared to care for? Remember that a pet who has special needs or particular behavioral issues, you will likely need to devote more time and energy to their care.
- Are you financially able to foster a pet?
- Does your landlord allow you to keep pets?
- Does your partner/family agree and support fostering a pet?
- Do you think your other pets will adapt to having another animal around?
- Do you have any plans that may affect your fostering i.e. moving home/jobs, having a baby, going on holiday?
Start small:
- When you start fostering, start with an animal that does not have behavior or health challengers and is best suited for a beginner.
- Develop your foster-skills before you take on difficult cases (for example animals with behavioral or health problems) .
