If you knew more about what goes into raising a puppy or dog, and the benefits it brings, is this something you would consider? The primary purpose of foster care is to temporarily house and prepare a puppy or dog for adoption. Like everything in life, there are pros and cons.
There are decisions to be made before committing to raising an animal. Are you willing to make and keep the promise of time, energy, patience, and love? What do you prefer, a puppy or an older dog? Do you know the responsibilities associated with that decision? Are you aware that some foster animals may have behavioral problems?
What breed, mix, age, size, or gender would you be most comfortable with? Are you willing to take a senior dog? Would you consider a puppy or dog with a disability or health problem?
How does your family feel about parenting? If you have a pet, how would you react if another animal moved into your territory? Remember, everyone should be comfortable with this decision.
How long are you willing to make the commitment? Some adoptees prefer short-term commitments. Others, for as long as necessary. Would you be able to give up the animal, especially knowing that it would go to a loving home? Would you be willing to adopt your foster, if your destiny is not a forever home?
There will be changes in your routine; most likely it is for the better. You will exercise more!
You may have to provide the food. There are rescues that occasionally help with food expenses.
The most common complaint heard is how attached an adopter has become to their animal. Usually this is made from less experienced adopters. Those who have done it before have an easier time “letting go”. They are happy that their upbringing has found a loving family, a forever home. There is also another side to the attachment complaint. It is not unusual for the foster parent to decide to keep their ward. Everyone is a winner!
Most shelter dogs are medium to large and/or mongrels. If there is a specific breed you prefer, check with breed rescues. They are overburdened and also looking for foster homes.
Some of the animals in rescues and shelters have health problems, disabilities, or behavioral problems. Would this be a problem for you? There are foster families who prefer to take on the tender and loving care of an older or terminally ill animal. They want to offer them the best quality of life, in the little time they may have left. They are undoubtedly extraordinary people. Congratulations to them!
The animal you adopt may require basic obedience or training to educate the family. Are you willing to invest the time to make them more adoptable?
You will most likely have to pass a background check and a home inspection. It is gratifying to know that you have met the shelter or rescue standards and qualify to provide a temporary home.
Most shelters/rescues will take care of the necessary veterinary and medication expenses. Surprisingly, there are hosts, who absorb these expenses as part of their responsibilities. They also deserve congratulations!
By fostering, you will be one less destroyed animal, and you will be creating an opening for the shelter/rescue to offer another puppy or dog a roof over their head and food in their stomach, until they find their forever home.
Bottom line. You will earn the unconditional love and appreciation of the animal you have opened your heart and home to, however long that may be. You will have the gratifying feeling of saving at least one puppy or dog, from being destroyed simply because there are so many out there that need our help.
