June is National Foster a Pet Month!

abigailkocsis
Jun 1
4 min read

So Here is the Ultimate Guide to Fostering a Pet.

Fostering a pet is one of the most meaningful and impactful ways to help animals in need. By opening your home temporarily, you play a vital role in saving lives, preparing animals for adoption, and easing the burden on shelters. You’re not just offering an animal a safe place to stay - you’re giving them a second chance.

What is Pet Fostering?

Pet fostering is when you temporarily care for a shelter or rescue animal in your home until they are adopted. This could last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the animal’s needs and your availability.

These animals may be:

Puppies or kittens that are too young for adoption
Pets recovering from surgery or illness
Seniors needing end-of-life comfort
Abused or neglected animals in need of decompression
Long-term shelter pets who need a change of environment

Fosters help animals adjust to home life, learn basic manners, and receive love, often for the first time.

Why Foster Instead of Adopt?

Fostering is ideal if:

You love animals, but you can’t commit to a long-term relationship.
You want to help many animals over time.
You’re not ready for a permanent pet due to housing, lifestyle, or financial reasons.
You’re preparing to adopt and want to understand the different personalities of pets.
You want to support your local shelter or rescue directly.

Benefits of Fostering

Saves Lives:
- Fosters free up space in shelters and gives animals a better chance at adoption.
Socialization:
- Animals learn how to live in a home environment, making them more adoptable.
Flexibility:
- You can foster based on your schedule and lifestyle.
Trial Experience:
- Great for people considering adoption or wanting short-term companionship.
Feel-Good Factor:
- You’re making a direct, life-saving impact!

What to Expect

Every animal is different, but here are common scenarios:

Shy or undersocialized behaviour at first.
House training or crate training may be needed.
Some pets may require medication or follow-up vet visits.
You'll be responsible for food, basic care, and lots of love (some rescues help with supplies).

How to Prepare Your Home

Pet-proof your space: Remove toxic plants, loose wires, and small items that could be swallowed.
Create a safe space: A quiet room or corner with a bed, crate, water, and toys.
Stock essentials:
- While some rescues provide supplies, you’ll often need:
  - Food (ask what the pet is currently eating)
  - Bowls for food and water
  - A bed or crate
  - Toys (especially enrichment and teething toys)
  - Litter box and litter (for cats)
  - Leash, harness, and collar with ID tag
  - Puppy pads or cleaning supplies
  - Grooming tools: brush, nail clippers, shampoo
Check household compatibility: Introduce the foster pet slowly to kids, pets, and roommates.

How to Become a Foster

Choose a rescue or shelter: Look for organizations aligned with your values.
Apply: Most require an application and sometimes a home visit.
Get matched: The organization will place a pet that suits your lifestyle and experience.
Receive orientation: Some groups offer training on animal care and emergency protocols.

Your Responsibilities

Caring for a foster pet goes beyond food and water.

Routine: Establish consistency with feeding, walks, potty breaks, and rest.
Behaviour Observation: Document any changes in appetite, behaviour, or mobility.
Training: Basic commands, house manners, and socialization.
Love and attention: Building trust can take time, especially with trauma survivors.
Transport: You may need to take your foster to vet appointments or adoption events.

Common Challenges & Solutions

Potty accidents
- Solution: Keep a routine, praise successful potty trips, and limit unsupervised access around the house.
Chewing or destruction
- Solution: Provide appropriate toys, and use baby gates or crates.
Fearful or shut-down behaviour
- Solution: Give space, avoid loud noises, and build trust slowly.
Separation anxiety
- Solution: Practice short departures and avoid dramatic entrances and exits.
Aggression or reactivity
- Solution: Work with the rescue, avoid triggers, and ensure safety.
Letting go when they’re adopted
- Saying goodbye can be emotional, but remember, you're freeing up space to help another life.

Saying Goodbye

When your foster pet is adopted:

You may have the opportunity to meet the new family.
Some rescues allow post-adoption updates.
Many fosters find comfort in knowing they helped create a happy ending.

Fostering Support

There are a lot of support resources for pet foster families.

Some include:

Your rescue or shelter contact
Online foster parent guides
Foster Facebook groups and Online forums
YouTube channels and online training
Pet health apps
Emotional support and self-care tools

At The Dog House, we are also here to support you with any fostering, training, and behavioural needs or concerns.

Final Thoughts

Fostering is more than temporary care—it’s a bridge to a new life for a pet in need. It requires patience, love, and some preparation, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Fostering is an act of compassion. It teaches patience, responsibility, and love. You may be the only family a rescue pet has ever known—and even if it's temporary, your home is their sanctuary.

Whether you're fostering once or a hundred times, you're part of a greater mission: giving animals the love, structure, and hope they need to thrive.