Is Fostering a Puppy Right for Me? – Pibbles & More Animal Rescue

Are you an animal lover? Do you want to help pets in your local community? If you answered yes to these two questions, then you’ll probably enjoy fostering a puppy.

There are many ways to help animals in your community. You can donate to your local shelter or rescue center, volunteer your time, or adopt a pet instead of getting them from a breeder.

Throughout the United States, there is an unsustainable pet overpopulation problem, leaving many pets in dire situations. To solve this dilemma, we need more people involved to act as voices for those who have none.

It can be nerve-racking stepping into the role of a pet foster parent for the first time, but I assure you the rewards far outweigh the downsides. Let’s review a few common concerns to help you decide whether or not fostering a puppy is right for you.

How Long Will I Need to Commit to Fostering a Puppy?

While guidelines and rules can vary depending on the rescue center you are fostering with, most puppies of adoption age require a two-week foster commitment. This allows you time to assess their temperament to help adopters know the dog’s personality. Two weeks also acts as a quarantine period to evaluate the pet’s health.

Puppies not old enough to get spayed or neutered require a longer commitment. This can also vary depending on the center. If the puppy is healthy and doing well, the Oklahoma Humane Society, for example, will spay or neuter puppies when they reach eight weeks of age and are 2 pounds.

While two weeks is the most common time commitment, this can vary depending on the needs of each pet. If something arises while fostering and you need someone to take over, most rescues will offer foster relief so your foster puppy will always have a place to go.

Do I Have to Foster a Puppy or Can I Foster an Adult Dog?

Rescues throughout the country will have pets of all ages, sizes, and breeds available for fostering.

You can foster one, two, or more if you choose. Among the most vulnerable populations in city shelters and communities are elderly dogs, neonates (under six weeks old), and mom dogs with their nursing puppies.

No matter the pet you choose to foster, you will make a difference in that pet’s life.

Will I Be Able to Say Goodbye When the Time Comes?

One of the biggest concerns people have about fostering is saying goodbye when the time comes for the pet to be adopted.

While this can be difficult, and there is never any shame in a “foster failure” (aka adopting your foster pet), it’s best to consider the alternative for the pet.

Without committed fosters, many animals would continue to be exposed to danger on the streets, stuck in overcrowded shelters, or worse, on the euthanasia list.

It is also helpful to remember the joy the adopters will experience when bringing home a new pet. Rescuing an animal can change someone’s world forever.

So, while it can be difficult to say goodbye, opening up your home has many rewards. Letting your foster go up for adoption can allow you to help the next puppy in need.

How Do I Puppy-proof My House?

Puppy-proofing a house doesn’t have to be too tricky. Just bear in mind that puppies will chew on everything – it’s how they learn and explore their world. Always keep things you don’t want to be chewed up out of reach.

While most rescues will provide food and a crate, you may have to invest in getting a few chew toys (like collagen chews), bowls, blankets, or other pet supplies. Puppy gates and washable pee pads can also come in handy while potty training a puppy.

Some people view putting a dog in a crate as controversial, but crate training is an essential life step for a puppy and will help them become more adoptable and stay safe while you are away.

Following the essential steps of bringing a new dog home can also help the puppy be more comfortable and at home.

Helping a Puppy Is Rewarding

Whether or not you decide to foster a puppy, kitten, or adult pet, you will be making a difference in that animal’s life and opening up space for another pet in need.

If you’re still uncertain about whether or not fostering is right for you, reach out to your local animal shelter or rescue and consider volunteering. Meeting some of the animals in need and taking them on field trips can also be a rewarding experience.

Author:

Gaby Williams is a content specialist and expert writer for Value Pet Supplies. She loves teaching people how to take better care of animals through educational content. She has several years of experience writing on a variety of topics in the industry.