Fostering a dog is a very positive thing to do, that has a great impact for improving the pet overpopulation issue. Animals fostered in a proper environment, receiving proper care and training, have more chances to be adopted, less chances to be returned or to suffer from stress and behavioral problems related to adapting in a new home. Many animals from the shelters once belonged to families but for some reasons they found themselves homeless, at a certain moment; it may be scary for them to move from a loved place where they belonged to a strange new place.
The rescue facilities often lack the space and resources to house every homeless pet; animals are often euthanized but this can be prevented by loving people that wish to help by fostering them.
Fostering dogs has a positive effect especially on stressed and disabled animals, such as puppies, older dogs, and dogs with special needs which are vulnerable to the shelter environment.
What is a foster care provider?
A foster care provider is any person willing to house and provide care to a dog, for a certain period, until someone else wishes to adopt that dog. Fostering a dog is a very rewarding experience, but also emotionally challenging, considering that it will be hard to say goodbye to your furry friend, when the time comes for him to go with his new family.
You can become a foster care provider by first contacting a rescue organization in your area. You can list a favorite breed that you are willing to take care of and you can also focus of dogs with special needs. In some cases, the rescue organization will require special things from people willing to foster a dog, such as a fenced yard, full-time availability, a house without children or other pets etc. The organization will provide you options to choose from and, when you find a dog that you can foster, you must fill out an application and discuss details with the organization's representatives.
If you decide to foster a dog, you must know your limits as well. If you already have other pets, you must be sure that you can devote your time to a foster dog as well. You must also ask for recommendations from your vet about how to avoid carrying in your home communicable diseases from the shelter. If you live in a rented house, there may be restrictions about pets. You may encounter difficulties in dealing with some behavioral or health problems, so do not foster animals that may have conditions beyond your personal experience.
Home preparations before bringing the dog in
You must consider making some preparations in order to animal-proof your house. Hide any dangerous objects, chemicals, secure the electrical cords and the curtains, lock the cupboards and cabinets, cover the trashcan and always check your dryer and washer units! Get rid of potentially poisonous houseplants, hide the food, secure aquariums and the areas for other animals and prepare your yard in order to eliminate any escape route.
