Make a Difference Through Dog Fostering in NYC
The ASPCA and other local organizations that offer pet adoption in NYC are full to the brim with dogs, cats and rabbits in need of temporary homes.
Foster caregivers must be able to provide food, water, shelter and exercise for the dog or cat. Rescue groups pay for a portion of a foster’s medical care and supplies.
How to Foster
Fostering is a short-term, hands on way to make an impact for homeless pets. Many shelters and rescue organizations require foster volunteers to provide temporary care for dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, or rabbits while the animals are waiting for adoption.
Animals in foster homes are less stressed and socialized than those in shelters, which can lead to a more positive outcome for them. And by fostering a pet, you’re opening up space at the shelter or rescue to save another animal who needs a home.
Fostering is a wonderful and rewarding experience! Most fosters are reimbursed for food and supplies by the rescue organization. They may also be reimbursed for veterinarian expenses through a pre-approved veterinary facility. All you need to provide is a loving home, and the rescue agency will take care of the rest. You’ll be rewarded with the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a positive difference in the life of an abandoned or abused animal.
What to Expect
Animals who are in foster homes are often better socialized, less stressed, more relaxed and have a better chance of finding their forever home. Fostering is a rewarding experience, but it can also be emotionally challenging. Most foster volunteers find that the sadness of saying goodbye is far outweighed by the knowledge that they played a critical role in the life of an animal who was not able to thrive in a shelter setting.
It is important that you provide your foster dog with a secure crate and a safe area to confine himself when you are not home (ideally out of sight and hearing of other pets). A dog who roams the house freely while a foster is gone is almost certain to practice bad habits such as chewing, barking or jumping up on people. It is best to feed your foster dog in a designated room away from any other animals until they have settled in.
Training
Dog fostering can be a fun, fulfilling and rewarding experience. It’s a way for animal lovers to gain experience with the responsibilities and joys of dog ownership while making room at shelters for other dogs awaiting adoption.
Most shelters and rescue groups need foster volunteers to care for pets awaiting adoption. Some also use fosters to provide temporary care for feral and community cats whose colonies they manage through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR).
A typical fostering stint lasts a night or a weekend or can continue for weeks or even months. The rescue organization will arrange veterinary appointments and photo sessions with potential adopters.
Most rescue organizations pay for a foster pet’s food and supplies. Fosters are expected to provide a safe, loving home environment, including exercise and play time. Depending on the foster animal, you may decide to socialize and train him or her, or leave that to the rescue organization. The best thing about fostering is that you get to make a life-changing difference for a homeless pet.
Support
Animals in shelter settings can be stressed, frightened, and sick. Fostering allows these animals to live in homes, where they can be more comfortable, and better prepared for adoption.
Rescue organizations often rely on volunteers to temporarily care for their animals until they find permanent homes. Many rescues pay for food and supplies, and most foster volunteers kindly donate some or all of these items out of their own pockets.
Whether it’s one night, a weekend or weeks or months, fostering is an easy way to make a difference in the life of a dog, cat, puppy or kitten. Best Friends will provide you with everything you need to successfully foster, including veterinary care for your foster pet(s) and the support of an experienced staff member. You also can expect to be part of a supportive network of animal lovers through our online Facebook group and weekly Instagram meetups (#fosterclub). Lastly, we’ll be there for you when your foster pet finds their forever home!
