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Foster
Shelters can be stressful places for dogs and cats, especially during long-term stays. Being a foster caregiver provides these animals with a respite from the shelter environment and greatly improves their welfare. Foster caregiving allows shelters and prospective adopters to gain valuable insights into a pet’s personality in a more natural setting. Foster caregivers can take pictures and videos of the pets, helping potential adopters envision the animals in their own homes. Additionally, fostering frees up space in the shelter, allowing staff to spend more time with the pets still in their care. Here are some inspiring stories from our wonderful foster caregivers:
All lovingly fostered by our volunteers
Breaking the Stereotype of Shelter Pets
Many of our rescue pets ended up in animal control or a rescue because a family member passed away, and there was no one to care for them. I started fostering shelter pets because I wanted to help pets transition from a loving home to a shelter where they might have to wait a while for adoption. Please consider fostering; even if you aren’t their forever home, you can help these pets remember what it feels like to have a home.
Trial Run-You Can Adopt If You Want
I grew up with pets, but I wasn’t sure I was ready to have one on my own or how a dog would fit into my lifestyle. I heard about fostering and discussed it with my local shelter. It turned out to be a fantastic way to try having a dog without worrying about what would happen if it didn’t work out. I selected a wonderful little guy. Many families were interested in him, but I fell in love and ended up adopting him. It turns out we were meant to be!
Bonding as a Bridge to Adoption
My last foster dog was rescued from a puppy mill. She was sweet and loving but shy and anxious around people due to her past. A family with two small children was interested in her, but she needed a chance to live in a calm and quiet environment and learn to trust again before she was ready to be around kids. After living with me for a while, she made great progress! Now, she’s happy to be around people, and her new family knows she’s ready to come home.
Are you ready to consider becoming a foster caregiver?
I Didn’t Think I Could Do It, But I Did
I love animals and have two dogs. When I heard about fostering, I wanted to help out since many shelters are overcrowded. However, I was nervous—I love animals, but I’m not an expert! Fortunately, the shelter guided me every step of the way, from choosing a dog I felt comfortable with to advising me on how to bring her into my home and transition her to her new family. They also covered her medical care and shots, making it easy for me to help!
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