Animal fostering is of huge benefit to… 

Every rescue animal given a temporary home means one less animal to care for in the shelter, and one more space to offer for another homeless animal.  In some countries rescue animals are euthanised after a defined stay in the shelter. So, every animal that finds a foster home may help to reduce a rescue's euthanasia rate.  

Fostering can be a very rewarding experience and it is fulfilling to know that you played an important role in helping to move your foster animal onto their forever home. With each foster animal, you will learn new skills and over time you will also be able to help animals that have had a very hard start in life to find their perfect home.  

Many animals are overwhelmed by the experience of living in an animal shelter. Lots of strange smells, contact with other animals, the daily routine – all these things can cause stress. Sensitive or chronically ill animals, mothers nursing their young, nervous frightened and older animals are particularly vulnerable. For these animals, a foster home is a welcomed alternative.   

Animals with special medical needs, animals with behavioural challenges, young animals who have lost their mother and still need nursing – all benefit from the personal care a fosterer can give them.  Other animals have the chance to recover from physical and psychological abuse which is very important for those who have suffered from abandonment and/or mistreatment. Living in a loving foster home helps these animals to build up their trust towards humans, to regain their confidence and to get used to living in a normal home environment.    

Increasing the chances of adoption  

A foster family can help to improve the likelihood that a dog or cat will be adopted. Socialisation and training are key to this. Under the individual care of a foster parent or family, a dog can be taught basic commands such as ‘Sit’, ‘Down’ and ‘Stay’, while a cat will learn how to use a litter box and how to behave in a home. Foster homes can also be of huge benefit to animals that are suffering from behavioural issues. With their foster family they can learn how to behave in a home environment and how-to behaviour when out on walks, meeting strangers or other animals. If an animal is well socialised and understands some basic commands, then their chances of being adopted will increase.