Shelter to Sanctuary: The Art of Pet Fostering

Are you thinking about fostering rescued pets? This is a fantastic way to help pets in need, and a great option for people who cannot adopt pets or want to know what to expect before adopting a pet. Make sure your home and your heart are prepared to welcome a new furry friend with these helpful tips for providing homes for shelter animals. 

Start With the Basics

If you already have experience owning pets, you can brush up on the basics of potty training and teaching commands. If you’ve never lived with pets before, you may want to talk to a veterinarian or people at the shelter to get tips on feeding, training, and creating a comfortable environment for your foster pet. Prepare your home with essentials like food and water bowls, potty pads or a litter box, and toys that will help your foster pet have fun, feel comfortable, and have enriching mental stimulation. You should also have a collar, leash, harness, and waste bags so you can safely take your foster pet outside for walks. Many shelters will provide these essential items for foster parents, so be sure to ask the shelter about any options that are available to you. The shelter may also cover any costs associated with veterinary visits your pet may need during your temporary pet guardianship.  

Let Your Foster Pet Take the Lead 

Moving from a shelter to a foster home can be overwhelming for pets of all ages. If you’re fostering rescued pets, it’s important to help them get comfortable with their new environment. Let your foster pet take the lead when you welcome them into your home. Allow them to explore the space safely and avoid giving them too much attention or affection that could make them overwhelmed. This can make it easier for foster pets to get comfortable with their new environments, which can help them be more comfortable getting closer to you and any other family members living in the house.

Prepare Your Foster Pet for Their Forever Home 

Part of providing foster care for animals in need is knowing that you will only be experiencing temporary pet guardianship. Unless you are seriously considering adopting your foster pet, it’s important to remember that you are getting your foster pet ready for their eventual forever home. That means following training guides and any other guidelines provided by the shelter. It also means preparing to say goodbye to your foster pet when they are ready to be adopted. This can be a very emotional process, so it’s important to prepare and give yourself whatever time you need after saying goodbye. 

You can contact the top-tier veterinary team here at Curem Veterinary Care for veterinary care in Mesa, AZ when you are fostering rescued pets. Call us at (480) 787‑0544 to learn about our veterinary services that can help with your pet fostering experiences.