What's A Foster Home?

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WHAT’S A FOSTER HOME?

Q: What’s a Foster Home?
A: Foster parents provide temporary homes for animals prior to adoption. Fostering is a wonderful and personal way to help homeless pets.

Q: Why Do Animals Need Foster Care?
A: Animals do best when they are in foster homes. Many come from sad situations and need extra TLC. Foster homes minimize the trauma of transition that affects most animals that lose their homes. Foster care can be a lifesaving gift for an animal.

Q: Would I Be A Good Foster Parent?
A: Fostering is a great way to volunteer in the community. It is flexible, fun and rewarding. It’s a great way to enjoy a pet if you cannot make a lifetime commitment. If you’re thinking of adopting a pet but are not sure, fostering is a great way to find out if pet ownership is for you.

Q: How Much Time Will It Take?
A: The specific needs of the animal will determine how much time is involved. Newborn orphaned kittens and puppies must be fed every few hours. Frightened animals need socialization or training that requires some extra time. Rescues can work with you to find the animal that you’ll be best suited to foster.

Q: What Skills Are Needed?
A: It’s best to have some basic knowledge about companion animal behavior and health.

Q: What Else Is Required?
A: Most rescues screen all homes that apply for fostering to insure a good experience for both foster family and animals.

Q: What About My Own Pets?
A: You’ll need to consider how the animals in your household will adjust to a new foster pet. You’re the best judge of your pet’s personality but don’t underestimate them! The rescue group can walk you through the do's and don’ts of bringing a new animal successfully into your home.

Q: Will I Have To Find A Home For The Animal Myself?
A: No. Rescues take full responsibility for finding the new home but you can help by telling friends, family, and coworkers about your foster pet.

Q: How Do I Say Goodbye?
A: Giving up a foster pet can be difficult emotionally. However, knowing you were part of saving a life and helping an animal find a loving home is tremendously rewarding. Most of our foster families say the first is the hardest and then you look forward to the excitement of the next animal that needs you. And, some foster homes become permanent homes!

Q: Is It Fair To The Animals?
A: Hundreds of happy former fosters can attest to this! Foster homes are a lifesaving bridge for a stray or frightened pet. It prepares the dog or cat for their new life in a permanent home.

If you are interested in becoming a foster family, contact SECOND HOPE RESCUE at 240-925-0628 or email lora@secondhoperescue.org.
 

Crashpupty

havoc is havoc
I fostered 2 dogs and it was a really great experience. Homes were found for both. One found a terrific forever home and the other just had to stay with me for ever. It was awesome to see them slowly trust you and build a loving relationship and see them come into their own. To see them go from scared and untrusting to a strong confident member of the family and sleep amongst the other pets and people is the most incredible thing to witness. The rewards outweigh the efforts 10 fold. I encourage everyone to foster, all the rscue groups will work with you to find the best match for your situation and level of knowledge. Most of the animals in rescue groups are not basket cases, their family just couldn't afford to take care of them anymore. So talk to a rescue and give it a try.
 
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