11 Reasons To Foster An Animal

A great way to volunteer, get animal cuddles, and help an animal in need.

1. Help an animal in need.

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There are so many reasons why an animal can go into a foster program, such as shelter shock (an animal has been in the shelter system for too long and regardless of how nice the shelter, the animal needs a break), medical recovery needs, socialization, overpopulation, preventing a kill, and age (too young or too old to be adopted; orphaned kittens & spoiled old ones).

2. A way to keep your instagram feed super cute and exciting & have fun stories

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Are you the type of person who tells stories about *other* people’s animals? Well then, fostering is for you. Your home will be like a pet hotel with changing guests every few weeks and think of all the new stories you’ll have to share with your friends and/or people on the bus. Your Instagram and Facebook feeds will become the place for cute animal photos. You’ll be the cool one of your friends. And people will always want to come over and visit the animals you have with you.

3. Meet new animals all the time!

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Since you are a pet-hotel, you’ll meet so many different beasties with different personalities and idiosyncrasies. It’s fun. The cat I have now likes to hold hands. Not even kidding.

4. Find out what type of animal person you are and your preferences

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Fostering animals will help you figure out what you’re looking for in a pet, whether it’s as simple as cat vs dog or learning about behavioural patterns. Does your lifestyle fit a pet? can you handle all the pet hair? Etc. You might even learn you don’t want a pet. I learned I want an animal that doesn’t look at me with distain when I dance in the kitchen. :P You think you know but things will surprise you. And that’s the great thing about fostering, you have the chance to figure all this out without making a giant commitment.

5. It's temporary!

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At the most an animal will be with you for a couple of months, but it’s usually for a few weeks, depending on the needs of the animal. Still, 5 months is much more manageable than 15 years, especially if you aren’t sure whether you’re a pet person or not.

6. CUDDLES

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You have a fuzzy animal in the house. CUDDLES AND CUTENESS. This can be especially important if you have an animal in need of socialization. Having an animal around can bring a lot of joy and companionship to a human, which is wonderful.

7. Learn about animal health

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Unless you went to vet school or had a former pet with medical needs, chances are you haven’t encountered much in terms of veterinary medicine. Fostering can be a great way to educate yourself about that and there’s a variety of new skills you can develop through this. Whether that administering oral medication, bladder expression, or them wearing a silly cone on their head, it’ll be an education.

8. Shelter Support

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Most shelters/rescues will offer supplies or a financial stipend for the care of the animal. This usually comes in the form of feed and bedding (as well as any medical needs). Any other treats and toys you want to buy for the animal is up to you (I know I spoiled my fosters with toys and premium treats haha). The support from the shelter doesn’t stop with the financials, you’re set up with a contact person who is there for any questions, concerns, etc. You’re part of the team.

9. It’s in-home volunteering

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It’s easy to forget that it’s volunteer work because the animal is usually really happy to be there, but it is. You’re donating your time (and occasionally your money) to a cause. It’s weird hours and it’s in your home. It’s a wonderful way to do something nice for something cute but also for a local organization.

10. Great way to meet new people

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You’ll become a regular at the shelter over time and you’ll get to know the staff as well as meet other foster humans. You become part of a community. A community with cats.

11. A chance to get rid of old furniture :P

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I have this old living room set I’ve had since undergrad and I hate it, it’s some weird space-pleather material that just won’t die. I keep putting off buying new stuff because it’s not *that* bad. Plus side, it’s very conducive to fostering animals. I don’t care if they scratch it up, pee on it, or try and give it a fur coat. Once I’m done fostering, I can comfortably let myself get a brand new set.

YASS! Sign me up!

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Yay!!! That's awesome! If you're interested in fostering, contact your local Humane Society, SPCA or animal shelter/rescue group! They'll be able to answer your questions.

Some last things to keep in mind:

You’re able to set your boundaries with what type of animals you’re able to foster, whether that’s dependent on space or personal preference. You also won’t be overrun with cats and turn into a freaky hoarder.

There is an element of work to fostering an animal, as there is with all pet ownership. Animals in the foster program usually have medical needs or socialization issues that you will have to co-ordinate around. This can mean a schedule for medication or enforcing behavioural training. You won’t be given an animal in serious need, after all, you’re not an expert. It’ll be animals who are *almost* ready for adoption, just need a little polishing.