Tips on Foster Care for Dogs
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What do you do if you find yourself in need of foster care for dogs? If this sounds like something you may have to deal with, it’s important to be aware of the steps involved, the benefits of foster care, and how to make the most of your experience! Here are some tips on foster care for dogs.
What is foster care?
In foster care, a person fosters an animal by giving him or her temporary shelter and care while he or she waits to be placed in a permanent home. When you foster an animal, you are helping find a permanent home that is right for him or her. You also help people like me who have had to make the difficult decision to give up their dog (or cat) because they have decided that they no longer have time, room, or energy to devote to caring for their pet.
The Benefits of Being a Foster Parent
If you’re a pet lover and want to help out an animal in need, foster care might be a great fit. Foster care involves temporarily taking in animals from shelters or rescue groups. This way, they can provide love and training while they wait for their forever homes. If you’re looking to show your love of dogs but don’t have time to commit to adopting one, fostering could be just what you need!
What You Need to Get Started
If you are considering taking in a foster dog, you’ll need to start by finding an animal shelter or rescue group. Check out Petfinder and your local paper to see if there are any foster care programs in your area. If there aren’t any, consider volunteering at an animal shelter or rescue—the staff will be able to provide you with information on how to get started fostering dogs.
What Happens During a Typical Foster Period
A typical foster period lasts from one week to one month, depending on a number of factors. During that time, you care for your foster pet as if it were your own. You’ll keep track of its food intake and make sure it gets regular exercise, check in with its vet regularly, and make sure it has everything it needs to feel at home. The Humane Society will provide all necessary supplies and take care of anything extra that might arise.
How Many Dogs Can I Foster?
Most animal shelters will allow you to foster as many dogs as you can reasonably handle. As a general rule, you should have enough space and enough time to care for more than one dog at a time—if you’re living in an apartment, or your schedule is erratic, stick with one pup until you move into a more suitable situation. That said, some shelters will take dogs in pairs or trios; if that works with your situation and your heart, go ahead and ask!
Is There Anything Else I Should Know?
For dogs, foster care is a great way to save animals who are scheduled to be euthanized. If you can provide a temporary home until these dogs are adopted, you’ll be taking an active role in saving their lives.
