Avoid becoming a victim of a foster fail with these tips and tricks.
Fostering pets can be an incredibly rewarding experience, not just for the animals, but also for the people who open their homes to them. There are many reasons why fostering pets, particularly in South Africa, are a necessary and noble task.
Why foster homes are necessary
There are thousands of stray and abandoned pets that need homes. Shelters can only do so much, and they are often overcrowded, leading to a lack of resources and increased stress in the animals. Fostering pets provides temporary homes for these animals, allowing them to receive the care and attention they need and to gradually transition from harsh conditions, while waiting for their forever homes. This also helps shelter pets who might struggle with interaction to socialise and to become accustomed to other animals.
Responsibilities you need to consider
Fostering pets is not just about giving them a temporary home. It also involves a significant amount of responsibility. As a foster parent, you will need to provide food, water, shelter, and daily care for the pet. You’ll also have to ensure that the pet receives proper medical attention and all the necessary medication. Additionally, you will need to provide socialisation and training for the pet to prepare them for adoption.
The more challenging foster pets
While all foster pets need love and care, some pets may require more attention and patience than others. This may include pets with medical conditions, behavioural issues, traumatic backgrounds, or senior pets that need extra care. These pets may require additional resources, such as special diets, medication, therapy, or training. However, providing a haven for these pets can be especially rewarding, as it often means giving them a second chance to have a happy life.
How to be a successful pet foster parent
Aside from having the necessary resources and expertise, there are a few other things you should keep in mind when fostering a pet:
- Keeping records for potential adopters.
Be sure to take many photos and videos that can be used to promote the adoptable pet on social media or on the rescue organisation’s website. Also, remember to keep track of their health and behavioural improvements.
- Knowing your limits.
Certain foster pets can take much more of you, physically and emotionally, than you might have thought. Only take on the challenge of fostering special needs pets if you are up for it.
- Having patience.
Helping a foster pet to recover from injury, illness, trauma, or behavioural issues will take time. Finding them a forever home also doesn’t happen overnight and it’s important to be patient.
- Preparing for goodbyes.
Even though many of us would love to take in every animal in need of a home, it is never that simple. It’s essential that you prepare yourself mentally for when you must part ways with the animal you’ve been fostering.
Of course, foster fails do happen, meaning it’s possible that you would be the one to keep the pet. If you have considered all the implications and responsibilities involved, there is no shame in your furry family growing even bigger.
Pet fostering in South Africa
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent for pets, there are a few amazing organisations that can help:
- Johannesburg
- Cape Town
- Durban
- Gqeberha
Fostering pets is a crucial part of animal welfare, particularly in South Africa where stray and abandoned pets are prevalent. If you are considering becoming a foster parent, it is important to know exactly what you’re in for. Spend enough time researching the processes, requirements, and costs involved before making a commitment.
