Considering fostering a pup? It’s a fantastic experience to be able to temporarily house a fur ball while they await adoption.
The feelings of fulfillment are incredible rewarding when you hear that a pup you’ve fostered has found a forever loving home. But before you decide to take in a foster pup, here are some things to keep in mind.
1. There’s more than one kind of fostering. Shelters may require foster mommies and daddies for puppies, fur balls with behavioral issues, or pups in need of medical care. Shelters usually offer instruction or orientation to help you deal with each category, so be prepared for anything.
2. You may be asked to work with a pup who has temperament issues or is in need of basic training. You may have to devote time to helping these fur balls overcome their problems, which may include chewing, lack of house training, or being overexcited around strangers.
3. You may also be asked to take care of a pup who needs to be nursed back to health. This may include giving them regular medication or bathing them often. If you have other pets in the house and the foster pup’s illness is a concern, then speak to a vet prior to taking them in.
4. You’ll have to commit time to these pups. Applying to be a foster parent to a pup may result in cancelling a vacation that you scheduled that happens to fall during the fur ball’s stay. Naturally, you don’t need to be available 24/7, but you’ll have to put some things on hold to care for a foster pup. The fostering period can be anywhere from a couple weeks to a few months, so be ready.
5. Consider your financial situation. Most shelters will pay for vet visits and medications, and many will provide other basic necessities such as food and water dishes, bedding, crates, IG tags, collars, and leashes. With that being said, you should check with the shelter about your financial responsibilities.
6. If you fall in love with the pup you’re fostering, you have to consider all options before deciding to adopt them. Adding an extra pet to the household sounds fun, but that may mean you can’t take on another pet to foster. This leads the shelter to have one less foster mommy or daddy they can count on.
7. Remember why fostering helps pups! These programs help the success of shelters and rescue groups and reduce overcrowding, leading to less pets needing to be euthanized. Pups who face issues in the shelter due to age or sickness can lead a comfortable life in a foster home, where they will be treated and rehabilitated. Even a bit of time away from the stress of a confined kennel and the barking of other fur balls can greatly improve a pup’s disposition.
Now, you’re armed with the information you need to foster a pup! Do give this a like and share with your friends!
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