Why Do We Need Foster Volunteers?
There are a few reasons why a dog may need to stay with a foster family before becoming adopted. Reasons for fostering include:
- LARC is not a physical animal shelter. We are a community of individuals who utilize resources and volunteers donated to helping the lives of these animals. Strays are allowed up to 5 days in a local shelter to be returned to their owners. If and when no one shows up, these animals have nowhere to go. Instead of letting them sit in a kill shelter, fostering allows these animals to get the loving care they deserve and the chance to get out of the high-stress environment of a shelter.
- Some animals have been injured or have diseases that shelters do not have the time or resources to mend. Fostering allows for sick or injured dogs to get the attention they need.
- New mothers and newly born pups will need specialized care until weaning, which foster can provide.
- Some animals develop anxiety and depression after being kept in a shelter and require foster care to reduce symptoms which could be damaging to health.
- Some dogs, before they can be adopted, need experience with humans, children, and other pets before they can be fit for an adoptive family. Fostering helps socialize dogs who would otherwise be labeled “unfit for adoption” in shelters.
The Benefits of Foster Programs
- When one dog is fostered, the room opens up in the shelter in his place for another animal. So, fostering helps us save the lives of more dogs!
- Fostering allows us to acquire the information needed to place a dog in the home that will best suit his needs. This makes for more happy and healthy dogs!
- The entire fostering process is a learning experience for dogs. Learning how to handle new environments, other pets, and even human contact. This experience helps prepare dogs for socialization when ready for adoption.
How Do I know if I’m Ready to Foster?
Do you have other pets willing to accept sharing your home with a foster?
-Sometimes, it’s best to place foster dogs into homes without the frightening experience of introducing other pets. Some dogs and cats are territorial, meaning they may not take to another animal invading their space. If you have a dog, cat, or otherwise who would not handle a foster addition well, you may wish to consider.
Can you provide the love a foster dog needs?
-Foster dogs should be loved and respected as any other family pet. Just because they are only going to be staying with you for a short while, it doesn’t mean that they don’t require the care a family pet needs. If you have a heart open to loving more creatures, fostering is right for you!
Are you prepared to train a foster dog if needed?
-Often, strays and puppies are not house trained or socialized. Do you have the experience and patience needed to train a foster dog so that they are more prone to adoption?
Do you have the heart it takes?
-Fostering is not for the faint of heart. It takes time, dedication, and lots of love. And, at the end of it all, you’ll have to see your new friend leave your home for their forever family. It’s not the easiest decision, but it is required to save the lives of these animals and set them up for the best care they can get. All in all, it’s worth it! And, you’ll undoubtedly make a trusting friend for life.