Fostering is one of the most rewarding ways to participate in animal rescue and we need your help! Kitten Season is starting up and soon requests to help pregnant cats and orphaned kittens will be overwhelming the shelter. In order to care for all of these mommas and babies we need volunteer foster homes.
What is fostering?
Fostering is when you provide a temporary home for an animal that needs more individual care than is possible in a shelter setting. Foster homes are essential to keep animals as healthy and happy as possible while they wait for their forever homes.
What sorts of animals need foster homes?
We look for foster homes for lots of animals. This includes orphaned kittens that need round-the-clock care, special needs pets that need medication multiple times a day, senior pets that are unlikely to be adopted, and shy animals that need to be socialized. In the spring time, also known as Kitten Season, we always need foster homes for pregnant cats and kittens with and without mothers.
What is involved with fostering?
Foster parents are expected to shelter the animals in their care, provide them with attention, food, and water. The goal of fostering is to help the animals become as socialized and healthy as possible, so anything the foster parents can do to meet that goal is fantastic.
What does the shelter provide to foster homes?
We will send you home with everything you need for your foster pet. We can provide litter boxes, leashes, food bowls, bedding, and any other supplies necessary for caring for the animal. We can also provide veterinary care.
Why is fostering necessary?
Foster homes help animals that don’t thrive in the shelter environment. The shelter is a high-stress environment that many animals don’t adapt well to. Being in a foster home allows these animals to be comfortable while they await their forever homes.
For animals that are too young to be adopted or are pregnant, foster homes provide a safer environment than the shelter. Kittens and puppies have fragile immune systems, so being in a home is much safer than being around many other animals. For pregnant mothers, a low-stress environment is also ideal for raising healthy babies.
How long a commitment is fostering?
This depends on the type of animal being fostered. Puppies and kittens are a minimum of eight weeks and pregnant animals are often longer. Senior animals are often placed in “permanent foster” homes, so the foster lasts for the remainder of the animal’s life. For undersocialized animals the time period varies, but an agreement will be reached during the application process as to how long the animal will be in the foster home (of course, this can be adjusted later).
Can I adopt my foster pet?
Of course. Foster parents are encouraged to give up their foster pets when an adoptive home is found so that they can help more homeless pets, but if a foster parent does want to adopt they can go through the adoption application process.
What do I get out of fostering?
Fostering is incredibly enriching to the families. They get the knowledge that they have helped save a life, that they opened their doors to an animal in need when no one else would.
How do I become a foster parent?
Foster applications are available in the lobby of the shelter. A staff member or volunteer will meet with you to discuss what you can offer a foster pet.
What animals are available for foster?
The best way to find out what animals are looking for foster homes is to ask a staff member or volunteer. You can also call us at (203) 238-3650 or email us at meridensociety@sbcglobal.net.
