Have you been considering fostering a second pet lately? You may be more inclined to after knowing that June is National Foster a Pet Month. But before you make the jump, how do you know if fostering a pet is right for you and your family? There are many things to concern, such as whether or not you can foster a pet without becoming attached. Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself first before considering fostering.
Q: Can I foster a pet without becoming attached?
A: One of the hardest parts of fostering pets is resisting falling in love. You can so easily become attached to a pet whom you have loved and cared for, and you may wind up with a house full of “foster failures.” That may be fine for your situation, but many families cannot foster unlimited pets, so knowing how to prevent yourself from becoming attached to your foster pet may be necessary.
Q: Do I have time to take care of an additional pet?
A: Foster pets can require a great deal of care and attention before they find their forever home. Some foster pets are not placed on an adoptable-pet list because they have medical issues that need treatment first, or they may require training, socialization, or rehabilitation to become fit for a new family. Puppies and kittens naturally require more care than adult pets, and senior pets can also demand large amounts of your time. Ensure you understand your foster pet’s needs before committing to their care.
Question: Will my current pet accept a new pet?
Answer: Although you may love the thought of adding more pets, your current pet may not feel the same way. If your cat or dog is not a fan of other animals, fostering a pet may cause too much household discord.
If you think you handle the extra responsibility of taking care of a second pet and know your current pet would be happy to have a second companion to play with, you may be ready to start applying to be a foster pet parent. One more thing you should keep in mind is to make sure your current pet is up to date on vaccinations and parasite preventives to avoid potential disease and parasite transmission. Contact our team to schedule an appointment for your pet so your household is ready to welcome another fur baby.