Pet fostering is of huge benefit to… 

Every shelter animal that is given a temporary home means one less animal to care for in the shelter, and one more space to offer for another homeless pet.  In some shelters, animals have to be euthanized once the facility has reached its capacity, so every animal that finds a foster home can help to reduce a shelter’s euthanasia rate.  

Many animals are overwhelmed by the experience of living in a shelter. There can be lots of strange smells, contact with many other animals, and a change to a new daily routine – all of these changes can cause stress. Sensitive or chronically ill animals, mothers nursing their young, nervous frightened and older animals are particularly vulnerable. For these animals, a foster home is a welcomed alternative.   

Animals with special medical needs, pets with behavioral challenges, young animals who have lost their mother and still need nursing – all benefit from the personal care a foster parent can give them.  Other animals have the chance to recover from physical and psychological abuse which is very important for those who have suffered from abandonment and/or mistreatment. Living in a loving foster home helps these animals to build up their trust towards humans, to regain their confidence, and to get used to living in a normal home environment.    

Increasing the chances of adoption  

A foster family can help to improve the likelihood that a dog or cat will be adopted. Socialization and training are key to this. Under the individual care of a foster parent or family, a dog can be taught basic commands such as ‘Sit’, ‘Down’ and ‘Stay’, while a cat will learn how to use a litter box and how to behave in a home. Foster homes can also be of huge benefit to animals that are suffering from behavioral issues. With their foster family, they can learn how to behave in a home environment, as well as when out on walks, meeting strangers and other animals. If an animal is well socialized and understands some basic commands, then their chances of being adopted will increase.    

You have saved a life! Fostering can be a very rewarding experience, and it is fulfilling to know that you played an important role in helping to move your foster pet onto their forever home. 

By fostering, you are helping to increase your foster pet’s chance of being adopted. Your care will prepare your foster pet for a new family, helping them to learn to live in a home environment, socializing them with other people and animals, and helping them to adapt to new experiences.

With each foster pet, you will learn new skills and over time you will also be able to help animals that have had a very hard start in life to find their perfect home. 

Fostering can also be a great solution for people who love pets and want to help an animal in need but cannot commit to the lifetime care of a pet.