You do not need to be affiliated with an animal shelter or pet rescue group to volunteer. Pet rescue groups are looking for responsible pet owners with space in their homes to foster the animals and help them in their mission to assist homeless dogs.

Why do some dogs need foster care?

• Some animal shelters do not have enough space for new dogs.
• Sometimes foster “parents” are needed for puppies that are too young for adoption. These puppies will need a safe place to live in until they are old enough to go to a more permanent home.
• Dogs who are recovering from surgery, illness or injuries require a safe home to stay in while they get better.
• If a dog is showing signs of stress (such as pacing around its kennel), the rescue group will look for a foster home where the animal can feel safer and more loved.
• Foster homes are also good for dogs that have not had much contact with people and need to be better socialised.

Benefits of fostering a dog:

By taking in a foster dog, you can free up a spot (or two) at the local animal shelter. This means that the rescue group will be able to help even more furry friends in need.

The foster dog will have a chance to get used to living with other people and pets meaning that they will have a better chance of being adopted into a more permanent home.

Dogs that have lived in foster homes are generally healthier, socialised, and happier.

Before taking on a responsibility like fostering a dog, you should ask the animal shelter about:

• The duration of the fostering
• Care details, such as costs and enquiring about whether or not you must pay for health expenses and feeding.
• Whether you are responsible for looking for a permanent home for the dog.
• Whether you are expected to provide training for the dog.
• Whether you can adopt the dog for your family in the future.

Taking in a foster dog is a very rewarding experience if you have enough space in your home and in your heart.