Dog and cat

Are You Ready to Become a Foster parent?

A foster parent’s guide

11/3/2022

If you enjoying caring for animals but are not ready to adopt, and your lifestyle and circumstances allow it, you might consider becoming a foster parent. Fostering gives shelter animals the best possible chance of being adopted, and it is a very rewarding experience for the foster parent too! 

First things first

Before you start contacting shelters to apply to be a foster parent, think through the implications of this decision carefully. Take a look at FOUR PAWS’ foster parent’s guide to help you decide if fostering is right for you: 

Are you ready to become a foster parent?

 

  • Do you have enough time to care for an animal? 
  • What type of animal are you prepared to care for? Remember that a pet who has special needs or particular behavioral issues, you will likely need to devote more time and energy to their care. 
  • Are you financially able to foster a pet?
  • Does your landlord allow you to keep pets?
  • Does your partner/family agree and support fostering a pet?
  • Do you think your other pets will adapt to having another animal around?
  • Do you have any plans that may affect your fostering i.e. moving home/jobs, having a baby, going on holiday?

Start small:  

  • When you start fostering, start with an animal that does not have behavior or health challengers and is best suited for a beginner.
  • Develop your foster-skills before you take on difficult cases (for example animals with behavioral or health problems) .
Adopted cat

How you can Become a Foster parent 


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