What Does Fostering Mean?
We’ve all heard the saying: “Fostering saves lives,” but how does fostering actually work, and why do people do it?
Fostering is when someone takes a dog into their home and provides temporary care until more permanent accommodations can be found. This can last anywhere from a couple of weeks, to a few months and more.
If you decide to foster a dog, the best option is to work with a local rescue organization. Many reputable, well-established rescue groups offer strong support to their foster families. That means that they might arrange transportation for your foster dog, assist with training, and take up to 100% of the financial responsibility including food, medication, leashes, and beds.
While you are looking into local rescues, be sure to read up on their policies, and, if required, attend an orientation or interview with them to see if it will be a good fit. Once you find the right rescue to work with, then you can begin looking for the right foster dog.
But wait—what if I fall in love with the dog that I’m fostering?
The #1 concern that many people have about fostering is that they will become too attached to the foster dog, then struggle to let them go when the time comes for them to move on to their new home. While it is true that letting a dog go can be very hard, this should not deter you from seriously considering fostering.
If it turns out that the dog is a perfect fit for you, it is not at all a bad thing! Jokingly, this is called a “foster fail” and it means that the dog has ultimately found its permanent home with its foster family. However, if the dog turns out not to be a good fit for you, the beauty of this arrangement is that there is no shame at all in allowing the dog to move on to their rightful place – and the rescue will make all of the arrangements for you.
By fostering a dog, you are giving them a safe, loving place to stay until their forever home can be found. Not only are you saving a life and providing comfort; you’re also creating unforgettable memories that stay with you forever! Letting a foster pup move on is never easy, however with more practice comes the understanding of how rewarding this process truly is. After all, had you not taken in your foster pup in the first place, those precious moments with them would never have happened!
How will fostering affect me and my family?
Helping pups in their hour of need is already a great cause, but fostering can also improve your own life in many aspects. It can even help you grow in ways you never thought possible! Throughout the process of fostering, you collect lots of experience with different breeds, sizes, and energy levels. This helps you gain an invaluable understanding of different canine personalities, and will also help you figure out what is most compatible with your lifestyle.
For example, if your idea of a good time is strapping on some boots and going for a hike, you’ll need an adventure-loving pup at your side! Finding the perfect canine companion for your lifestyle can be tricky — it’s more than just looks, so it can be hard to tell if a pup is the right fit from a photo or quick meet-and-greet. Do they have enough energy to keep up with you? Are they ok with meeting new people? That’s why having experience with different types of dogs is helpful if you’re looking for one of your own.
Although fostering might not be right for everyone, it’s a very noble and mutually-beneficial way to build on your experience with dogs. If you’re considering fostering, even just a little, you should contact a few local rescues to get more information about their foster programs. Gather information to see if you qualify, ask questions, and maybe even give it a try. For that one dog, it could mean a world of a difference!
Even if you aren’t able to foster,
There are still plenty of ways to help local pups in need. Most rescues run on donations and community support in order to provide much-needed care for their adoptable pups. Even collecting cans and bottles can make a huge difference, so be sure to check out all your local options!