7 Considerations and a [BONUS] for Pet Foster Parents

Existing Pets

• If there are currently pets in the home, it is imperative to understand the basic behavioral and trigger points of that pet and matchmake the foster pet accordingly. The life of a foster is stressful, not having a solid home base, being moved around, not having established trust with humans, so they are likely to have some level of anxiety. Removing any potentially added stresses of not getting along with the forever pet is critical to the success of the foster relationship. 

Lifestyle 

• Be very forthright with potential fosters about the lifestyle commitment certain pets require. Puppies and young dogs generally require a lot of physical and mental activity, especially as they are being trained for basic manners, house breaking, and basic obedience commands. In order for the Shelter to have success in matchmaking, its critical the activity levels and lifestyles are a match between both the pet and the foster parent. 

Financial Position

• There is a financial commitment associated with Fostering so being sure to let your potential fosters know what to expect and what the Shelter is responsible for is crucial. Transparency is key to preparation.

Give it time | Or not 

• Since it is hard to determine just how long the pet will be with a Foster, it is best for the Foster to go into the experience with little expectations regarding timing. In most cases, puppies and kittens are adopted out very quickly. While seniors, pets with pre-existing health conditions, or pets with behavioral challenges like the need to be the only pet in the household, or not good with children can make for longer stays. Either way, the foster must be prepared for either option.

Understanding the commitment to the pet 

• Though the commitment to the foster pet may be temporary, it is vitally important that the commitment is full of love, nurturing and care for the duration of the pairing.

Preparing the pets surroundings for safety and comfort 

• Provide the foster parent with helpful information and tips on how best to create a safe and comfortable environment for their new foster pet. If a foster is bringing in a puppy, tips on how to puppy-proof their space is important. If they are bringing in a cat, acquiring a scratching post could be the difference between a successful match and a return.

When it’s time to transition the pet to their new family 

• Here’s the one that’s most challenging, the time has come to release the pet to their new family and how bittersweet it is. There is likely a massive bond and love that has been created between the foster and the pet, but preparing your foster for this moment, and providing them with compassionate support will guide them through this challenging time and very likely into a new foster relationship in the future. It’s very common for new adoptive parents to check in with the foster parents and provide updates on the pets happiness, it always goes a long way for helping the foster see very clearly just how much good they have done.

BONUS

• The hidden bonus of pet fostering is that many stand in parents find their soul-pet through the process! John James a long time foster with  Denver Dachsunds Rescue and Transport had this to say, "Fostering dogs has been one of the most rewarding, yet challenging thing we've ever done. Working through the pains of potty training puppies and carrying senior dogs up and down stairs present a  certain level of stress, but when you finally connect them with their family and forever home, that moment is filled with so much love on both sides making it all so worthwhile. " James went on to say, "We are happy to report that we too are "foster fails" and welcomed Panzer and Shotzi into our family, once we realized they were meant to be ours."