National Foster Care Day
May is National Foster Care Day, a time to recognize and celebrate how each and every one of us can play a role in bettering the lives of those in foster care. Let’s also not forget about all of the animals in foster care programs and the wonderful volunteers that care for them! Shelters and rescues would love to house every homeless animal, but unfortunately, that is just not possible due to a lack of space and resources. Animals that would otherwise be euthanized can be saved by those who are willing to take them into their home temporarily. Foster homes are also a great option for animals with special needs, nursing mothers and her babies, and animals that need a quiet space to heal from injury or illness. Fostering is an amazing and rewarding experience. You can change an animal’s life for the better by caring for them in your own home!
Reasons Animals Need Foster Care
There are many reasons for an animal to need to go into foster care, and each situation is a little different. Some animals are too young to be spayed or neutered so they cannot yet be adopted. Kittens and puppies need to be at least eight weeks old and weigh at least two pounds before they can undergo the surgery. Another reason for foster care is because shelters are not always the best place for raising babies. Even though shelters provide a warm and safe place for animals. Foster homes are the most comfortable place for puppies and kittens that are still nursing from their mothers. The babies are vulnerable, still developing, and cannot control their body temperatures on their own. Therefore, they should be kept in a nursery area and strictly monitored. Additionally, animals that are injured or sick need a warm, quiet place to recover. Foster homes provide a calm and safe place for the animals to heal without the stress of other animals being around.
Fostering an Animal Requirements and Policies
Every shelter and foster care program has its own set of policies and procedures when it comes to fostering. Most likely, the foster care coordinator will talk with you to decide what kind of animal will work best in your home. Whether it is determined that you are best suited to care for a kitten, large dog, etc., the foster care coordinator will contact you when an animal that is in need of a foster home is ready for you to take home.
Most foster programs have requirements that need to be met in order for you to be considered. Some programs require that you are at least 18 years or older and that you live in the area of the shelter. You will then be asked to fill out an application, complete a background check, and attend a foster care program training. Some foster programs will also want to conduct a home visit before accepting your application. They will require that a foster parent’s current pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations before you can bring home another animal.
Fostering With Other Animals In Your Home
If you are thinking about fostering an animal and currently already have pets of your own, there are a few factors to consider. The first thing to do is to talk to your vet about getting your pets up-to-date on their shots. Communicable diseases from the shelter can easily be brought into your home, so it is important to protect your pets from potential illnesses. Additionally, talk to your vet about recommended quarantine periods for new foster pets. This might entail putting the foster animal in a cozy room separate from the rest of your home for a few days. This can also help with the adjustment period, as your new home has new smells, sights, and sounds which can be very overwhelming. The next step is to make sure that your current animals will be comfortable with a new animal in their space. A new animal can bring about new stresses and your pet can become territorial or very anxious. Look for signs of distress, including an animal pulling his or her own fur out, hiding, or an animal refusing to eat.
Know Your Capabilities and Time Allowances
It is important to be realistic about the amount of time and care that you are willing and able to provide for an animal. Some animals in foster programs need help with problem behaviors such as pulling on a leash while walking, barking, peeing in the house, and separation anxiety. Correcting problem behaviors can be frustrating and time-consuming, but it is so rewarding when you start to see progress. If you are bringing home an animal that needs help with rehabilitation, you may be asked to administer medication topically or orally, and to feed special diets. Additionally, sick or injured animals may struggle with incontinence and need love and support if and when those situations arise. If an animal uses a wheelchair, make sure that your house has a floor where the animal can comfortably get around and does not have the ability to accidentally fall down the stairs. If you do have stairs, you can put up baby gates to protect them from falling.
Prepare Your Home For A Foster Pet
If you decide that you are ready to foster and have been approved, it is time to prepare your home for a new animal. Most shelters will provide food, medication, kennels, toys, and other basic supplies that you will need. Shelters will also likely recommend a vet to work within the case of an emergency at no charge to you. Connect with your foster care coordinator to determine what will be provided for you, and what supplies you may need to pick up on your own. Below are a few suggestions of what to purchase:
Cats
- Litter box
- Litter
- Scoop
- Food/water
- Food and water bowls
- Toys
- Cat bed
- Blankets
- Scale- not critical but can be helpful for monitoring a small animal’s weight gain success
Dogs
- Leash
- Collar
- Waste bags
- Food/water
- Food and water bowls
- Toys
- Dog Bed
- Blankets
- Scale- not critical but can be helpful for monitoring a small animal’s weight gain success
When Is It Time To Return A Foster Pet?
There is no set time period for how long you will keep a foster pet, but often you will return an animal to the shelter when a puppy or kitten has gained enough weight, an animal has fully recovered from an injury or illness, or the puppies or kittens have been successfully weaned from their mothers. Additionally, if an animal was fostered to work on behavior or socialization, they will be ready for adoption once the problem behavior has been corrected and an animal has been socialized with other animals or humans.
Make sure you will be emotionally prepared to return the animal after the foster period is over. It can be hard to give an animal back after fostering and creating an emotional bond. Prepare yourself for the potential heartache when it is time to give the animal back, but remember, he or she is now so much more likely to find a forever home due to the love and care that you provided.
Have you ever fostered an animal? Let us know about your experience!
