Is Fostering Right for You?

Rescues and shelters around the world are over capacity and desperately depend on foster homes to provide a safe and comfortable space while they look for new homes for their animals. Becoming a foster home is a noble and selfless job, but before you start, answer the following questions to make sure that you're prepared.

1) Do you have an appropriate space?

Is there enough space for everyone?

Before fostering ensure that you, your family, and your home are ready. You don't need a huge space to keep a single animal, but keep in mind that a large dog in a small space will usually need a lot of daily exercise and stimulation to avoid destructive behaviours.

Will everyone get along?

An important consideration is reactivity. A reactive dog has a fear or aggression response to some stimuli - such as another dog, a cat, or an adult male. Reactive dogs have the potential to bite if they get access to what they are reactive to. Rescue dogs might not be reactive at all - but some will have past traumas causing reactive behaviour. Check with the rescue to understand if any reactivity tests were done. Particularly if you have kids, ensure the dog you want to take has been established as child-friendly.

Other pets in the household might not like this new sibling. Introduce new animals slowly, and preferably on neutral ground to see how they interact with each other. With a slow and careful introduction, and potentially some training, most animals can get along.

Does anyone at home have allergies?

If someone in the house has allergies then it might not be possible to bring a furry friend home. Check for allergies before taking the responsibility to foster. Sending an animal back to the rescue or shelter can cause it additional stress, and should be avoided whenever possible.

2) Do you have enough time?

The time required for fostering varies greatly, but all animals will need your love and a fair amount of attention.

Can you spend a few days at home?

The type of animal you foster will determine how much time it needs each day. A small dog needs fewer walks than a large dog. However, if the small dog is not house trained, it will need extra time and attention while it learns. It's best if someone can be at home with your foster pet all day for at least the first few days so that it can understand the house rules and start a routine.

Do you have some free time every day?

Feeding, interaction, and cleaning are the basic requirements for any pet and need to be fulfilled every day, usually more than once. As mentioned, consider if some training is required. Puppies require lots of supervision and playtime to avoid them damaging your home. Adult dogs might be house trained, but could show some destructive behaviours. Providing training, mental stimulation, and exercise will help avoid damage to your home.

Can you still care for the animal in 3, 6, or 12 months?

The rescue or shelter might or might not be able to estimate how long you will have your foster animal. They might be finalizing a home, or they might not have started the process. Even if they have a new home being prepared, you should still be ready to host your foster animal long term. It can be very stressful for animals to have their environment changed regularly, so if you choose to foster, try to take a long term view. As a best practice, consider how you will manage the foster animal if it stays with you at least for the next few months.

3) Can you afford it?

Do you have an initial starting budget?

You're going to be very excited about the arrival of your new foster animal - but remember this is a long term commitment so don't blow your budget before you get to know exactly what you need. Before your foster arrives, there are only a few essentials that you need. For example if you're taking a dog, make sure you have:

• High quality food

• Two bowls

• A collar or harness, and a leash

The rest is going to depend on the requirements of the foster animal, and your budget.

Do you have a long term food and emergency budget?

Food will be a recurring cost until your foster is rehomed. Even if you're trying to save money, don't be tempted by cheap food. Animals from rescues and shelters will usually have been fed a poor diet, and need your help to get proper nutrition. If your foster has medical issues, this is another cost to take into account. At the very least get an initial check up, if one was not done by the rescue. Always maintain an emergency vet fund, you never know when you might need it.

Are there extras you need to buy?

To save money, old blankets work just as well as an expensive bed from the pet store. Cheap metal bowls are easy to clean and durable. If you want to spoil your new foster with toys, don't spend too much until you get to know them a little bit. Some dogs love to chew, some love to chase, and some have no interest in toys at all. It often happens that sticks and old tennis balls are enjoyed more than anything you can find at the pet store.

Remember that for a rescue animal, there is no toy that can beat your love, patience, and kindness.

Conclusion

Fostering is a wonderful thing to do. You are giving an animal the chance to feel love and affection, maybe for the first time in its life. Continue researching and listen to stories about fostering to understand if fostering is right for you.

If you can't meet all of the requirements above, there are other ways to help. Shelters often need volunteers to walk dogs, spend time with animals, help cleanup, build shelters, coordinate events, raise money, or advertise. There are endless opportunities to help our furry friends, and your support will change their lives. Good luck.