Are you interested in fostering a dog and don’t know where to begin? Start here!
Have you seen social media or printed posts of dogs that need foster homes in your area? Do you love animals and want to find a way to help out your local shelter? Fostering is a great way to volunteer and help animals find a new home. Find out how to foster a dog right here.
Reasons Shelters Need Dog Fosters
It can help to understand the why and who of fostering. Why do dog shelters need people to foster animals?
- They don’t have enough space and resources for all the animals there
- They want to learn more about an animal’s temperament in a home environment
- The shelter is affected by a natural disaster
- A dog needs a home environment to become ready for adoption
- A senior dog needs comfortable hospice care
Types of Dogs That Need Foster Homes
On a related note, it helps to know what kinds of dogs shelters want fosters to have, too.
- Shy and timid dogs
- Dogs recovering from an illness or injury
- Puppies or adult dogs that need training and care
- Senior dogs
- Any dog the shelter decides needs a foster home due to limited resources
How to Foster a Dog
Preparing Your Home
If you are completely new to caring for a pet, you will need to pet-proof your home and provide the essentials. Keep electrical cords, sharp objects, fragile items, curtains, and houseplants out of reach. Be ready with a dog bed, a leash, a grooming brush, food and water bowels, dog food and treats, dog toys, enzymatic cleaners, and a baby gate to contain the dog in one area.
Some shelters will provide more or less supplies for you.
Caring for the Dog
You will need to follow the shelter’s guidelines for fostering. For example, you might need to be a certain age to qualify, or you may need to visit the vet for the pet’s health issues or set up visit times with people looking to adopt. Ask your local shelter what their guidelines are. Otherwise, daily care looks just like having a pet of your own. The love and care you provide can save a dog’s life! Most people foster a dog to prepare it for permanent adoption, but others might choose to keep the dog for themselves.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!