5 Reasons To Foster A Pet
June is National Foster a Pet Month! June is often the time of year when shelters become overwhelmed with homeless pets. Because of this, often times shelters do not have enough room to provide every pet with a comfortable space to stay. Therefore, becoming a foster parent can help both pets and shelters (and even you!) in a number of ways. Here are 6 reasons you should consider becoming a foster parent for your local shelter!
1) Fostering Keeps Animals out of Shelters
Most often, when pets are in shelters, they are not getting the proper amount of training, exercise and socialization they need to help them grow. “There’s nothing like the love and warmth of a family! Animals in foster care tend to be less stressed, better socialized, and have a lower chance of getting sick than animals in shelters.” (2)
2) Foster Will Help You Know if You’re Ready to Adopt
Looking to adopt a pet, but not sure if your’re ready for the commitment? Fostering can be the perfect opportunity to help you decide! “You’ll gain experience caring for a pet, so that when it’s time for you to adopt, you’ll do so with confidence.” (1) Or, if you are thinking about adding another pet, fostering can help you determine what your household will be like with more furry friends. “Though fostering is not a trial adoption period for that pet, it can help you try out changes to your current "fur family."(2)
3) You’ll Be Providing Invaluable Insight
For pets to become adopted, families usually want to know about the pets personalities and house habits. While fostering a pet you can learn important things about the. This can help answer important questions that future adopters may have such as- Do they like to cuddle? How do they react with other pets? Do they go on runs? How do they behave when left alone? ““Foster volunteers help us at Best Friends to understand who that dog is as an individual so we can match the dog with the perfect forever home.” (1)
4) Fostering Is Temporary
Do you love pets, but aren’t ready to make the commitment? Fostering is the perfect solution! “Knowing the foster animal will only be with you for a short time makes it easier to find the time to take care of them, and it also makes it easier to give them up when it’s time.” (2) Typically shelter pets will only need a foster home for a couple of weeks or until they find their forever home!
5) Fostering is Fun!
Especially in this new post-pandemic world, working from home is more common than ever. Having a pet around can boost your activity levels and help reduce stress! Daily walks help to improve health for both you and your dog. Additionally, “playing with your foster cat is a great way to unwind and provide the attention she craves. And is there anything cuter than watching young kittens chase their tails (and anything else that moves)?”(1)
