Fostering pets can be a hugely rewarding experience – you get to help an animal in need and often have the option to adopt your foster pet if you so choose. But what should you consider before taking on a foster pet?
First, if you have other pets, you must consider how they will react to a new home animal. Make sure that your current pets are up to date on their vaccinations and healthy overall – this will minimize any health risks for both them and your new foster pet. If someone in your household is immune compromised, it’s best to consult with a doctor before taking on a foster pet. And if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, be sure to talk with your doctor as well – there may be some special precautions you’ll need to take.
Next, you’ll want to consider what kind of financial commitment fostering will entail. Some shelters and rescue groups cover all costs related to fostering (such as food and veterinary care). In contrast, others may require that Foster Parents cover some or all of these expenses themselves. Be sure to check with the specific organization ahead of time, so there are no surprises later on down the road. And speaking of veterinary care, it’s always best to sketch out a plan ahead of time with your shelter or rescue group for how medical emergencies will be handled. Each organization has its policies and procedures, so everyone must be on the same page.
Finally, remember that one of the great things about fostering is that you often have first dibs on adopting your foster pet if everything works out well! So if you’ve been thinking about adding a new furry friend to your family permanently, fostering can be a great way to test things out first without making any long-term commitments right away.