If you love dogs and want to do what you can to provide them with temporary homes, you may want to consider dog foster care. Animal shelters and humane societies are always seeking volunteers to act as foster parents. Once the dogs arrive at the shelter, they will stay there for several weeks. If they are not adopted in that time, they live with a foster parent who cares for the dog.
What does a foster parent do?
A foster parent helps the dog avoid being euthanized by giving it another chance in a loving home. The foster parent provides daily care for the dog, much like a dog owner would. The duties include feeding, playing and grooming. If the dog has behavioral problems or a lack of training, the foster parent will spend time with the dog and teach him behavior modification, while preventing undesirable behaviors, to include excessive barking, jumping, biting and chewing. Sometimes they also teach basic skills.
Foster parents also administer medications, if needed, and take the dog to vet visits.
The dog’s temperament will also be evaluated. Some dogs dislike cats, while some prefer adults over children. The foster parent will attempt to socialize the dog with various types of people and animals to determine the type of home in which the dog would be happiest.
Once the dog is ready to go to a new home, the foster parent will let the public know. He or she may post flyers, run a newspaper ad or attend an adoption event. Those interested in the dog will come to the foster parent’s home and see the dog in that type of environment.
FosterDogs has some great information about the dog foster parent process and what is and what is not foster care. Many people have misconceptions about fostering a dog, so it is important that it is done with the right intentions in mind.
Why you should consider being a foster parent
There are many reasons why dog lovers should become a foster parent. First, it’s a great way to help out an animal with no permanent home. While the dog is in your home, you can provide food, shelter, love and training. The shelter then has extra room for additional dogs that may be abandoned or given up for adoption.
If you’ve always wanted more dogs, but without the expense, being a foster parent is the perfect job. Foster parents do not have to pay anything out of pocket. Everything is provided by the animal shelter, including food, shelter, bedding and other supplies. The animal also receives free medical care.
Dog foster care can also help you decide on the type of dog you would like as your next pet. If you decide to foster multiple dogs, you will get to see which personalities and characteristics you would prefer when you are ready to get another pet.
Being a dog foster parent is also ideal if you would like a temporary companion. Perhaps you are unsure of your future plans and don’t want to bring a pet into your life just yet. Caring for a dog for just a short time will offer you companionship but without a long-term commitment.
Requirements
It is fairly easy to become a dog foster parent. You need to be at least 18 years old. You also need to fill out an application and submit it to the animal shelter. The shelter will contact you to schedule a training session. Once you attend this informative training, you will then be on your way to helping dogs and saving lives.