Fostering an animal: The ultimate questions answered

Fostering an animal: The ultimate questions answered

We’ve never been so excited to see you here on our blog!

THIS is one of our all time favorite topics.

Pet adoption, pet fostering, pet care, pets, pets, pets!

You’ve either stumbled across our post because you want to foster an animal or you’re looking to find out more about what this entails. We promise not to disappoint!

The decision to bring an animal into your home is always a big one - even if you’ve previously owned animals or currently have them in your home already. It’s another life, it comes with it’s own personality and you’re taking on another personal responsibility. But, most importantly, life is so much better with animals around!

What’s the difference between fostering and adopting?

When you adopt an animal, you agree to take that responsibility on for the rest of their lives. You are signing to say that you will shelter, feed and nurture that creature and offer them the best life they can possibly have. They become part of your family and an amazing companion. Fostering an animal is different. It might be through a shelter too, but what you’re doing is giving that animal a home to stay in until they find their forever home. You look after it as if it was your own but you’re not agreeing to keep them forever (don’t mistake this with not being able to keep them forever, so many fosterers fall in love with these pets and go on to adopt them!)

Why do shelters need fosterers?

There are many reasons why shelters might request help from foster homes. These can include there not being enough space at a shelter to comfortably house them, some behavioural issues where being in a shelter could exacerbate problems and a foster home could nurture them to be eligible for adoption or even providing a space for some older animals to remain in a home setting towards the end of their life. Fosterers help shelters by taking on the care of animals in need in a home setting.

How long do animals need fostering?

Some animals need fostering for a few weeks, others a few months. It’s all dependent on their mental and physical state, when they can be put up for adoption and how much care they need to get them to that stage.

How does adoption work for fostered pets?

Adoption works in the same way that it would in a shelter. If the pet is healthy and ready to be rehomed the charity will advertise them for adoption. Anyone looking to adopt a fostered animal will go through the same procedural checks to make sure they are suitable before meeting the animal.

Will fostering cost me lots of money?

Depending on the charity you become a foster owner for will ultimately answer this question. Some charities ask for a little bit of help with things like luxuries (toys, treats, etc.) whereas others will provide you with all the food and necessary items for a successful fostering experience.

Fostering is a rewarding experience for all. If you’d like to learn more then have a look at our partnered shelter pages - Foster A Pet - Volunteer Today | Wood Green or Fostering — Wythall Animal Sanctuary!