One of the greatest needs for animal rescue groups is temporary foster homes. Many groups don’t have a shelter and rely on their network of foster homes to care for the animal until it finds its forever home. Organizations that do have shelters frequently need foster homes for very young kittens or puppies and special needs animals or when their shelter is full.
Providing foster care is a way to become personally involved in saving homeless pets and will be a life changing experience for both you and the pet. Whether the time period is a few days or a few months, serving as a pet foster parent helps homeless pets on their journey to find forever homes.
Tanya Mahrous Tobias, co-founder of Second Life Upscale Retail in Avondale Estates, has fostered several dogs, two of which became permanent members of her household. Tanya says the following about the need for foster homes and the foster experience:
“Foster homes provide a loving environment to scared, shy, and healthy pets. Sometimes the pets just need extra love and TLC to gain the trust of people - but for many of the pets, they just need a place to stay temporarily until their forever home is found. In many cases, the only thing keeping an animal from being pulled at a high-kill shelter is the lack of foster home.
We know how hard it can be to see your foster go into a loving home, as it doesn't take long to fall in love with them. It is such a rewarding experience to know you have helped save their lives and allows you the opportunity to share your life with many dogs and cats that otherwise would never touch your heart.”
All the foster home needs to provide is a loving home and daily care for the pet. The rescue organizations cover all costs and expenses, including food, medications and veterinary care. If you have have extra space and love to share with a homeless pet, consider becoming a foster parent.
For more information about fostering homeless pets and a list of groups looking for fosters, visit the Second Life website or contact your favorite local rescue organization.
For additional information:
- Best Friends Animal Society brochure on “Becoming a Foster Parent”
- Best Friends Animal Society Foster Home Handbook
- Saying Goodbye to a Foster Pet (ASPCA)
Comments