Open Your Heart and Home – FOSTER

Why Foster?

Save an Animal’s Life
Shelters are overrun with animals waiting to find their forever homes. Sadly, many of those animals will never again know the love of a human family. Many will either live out their lives in the shelter, or be killed because there just isn’t enough space.

There are rescue groups throughout the valley doing their best to prevent this. However, without a physical space, they rely on foster families to care for the animals while they search for a permanent home. Fosters are the difference between life and death for these displaced pets.

Improve Your Own
While you’re saving an animal’s life, they’ll be saving yours right back. You’ll join a community of like-minded individuals who become not just friends, but family. Caring for an animal gives you a purpose and can help improve your emotional state.

Teach Your Children Responsibility and Kindness
There’s no better way to teach your kids about love and responsibility, than to open your home to an animal in need. Give your kids age appropriate tasks to help care for the animal and give them plenty of cuddle time.

What are the Benefits for the Animal?

A Second Chance
Many shelter pets have been abused, neglected or, abandoned by their previous owners, and find it difficult to trust humans (understandably!). They may suffer from anxiety, depression, and a lack of socialization during their time at a shelter. The longer they are there, the worse their symptoms become, making it more difficult to find them a forever home. In a foster home, the pet will slowly regain trust for humans.

They Become More “Attractive” to Potential Adopters
Help them become more adoptable by teaching them basic skills like potty training, commands, and walking on a leash. They have the opportunity to socialize with other animals, and humans of all ages, which will enable them to adapt better to their forever home. Plus, they master the art of snuggling!

What Does It Take To Foster?

Being a foster parent means providing a safe, nurturing space for an animal until they find their forever home. This could be as short as a few days, and as long as a year or so. While you are fostering, all of the pet’s medical expenses will be covered by the organization and they will provide food for the pet.

Many pets can be left alone in the home, and often times can be crate trained so you can feel comfortable leaving them alone for a few hours. If you have other pets, you’ll want to make sure that you have space to separate them, and that your pets are vaccinated.

Afraid you might “foster fail”? It happens, and there’s nothing wrong with deciding to keep a new fur baby.

If you have room in your home and your heart to save a life, please reach out to your local animal rescue and give a dog or cat a second chance at love.


Sheryl Green is an author, writing coach, and passionate animal advocate. Find her at https://unleashedcommunications.com/.