Author: Keren Dinkin
Animal shelters take in some 6.3 million pets in the country every year. Close to half of them are dogs, while the rest are cats. Around 17% are euthanized annually, too.
These figures bring to light the importance of fostering and adoption. Fostering is taking a dog or cat from an animal shelter and giving it a temporary home, while adoption means taking on the responsibility full-time.
Why Fostering Pets is a Great Idea
There is joy in having a pet at home, even for a short time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bonding with pets offers several health benefits, such as alleviating loneliness and anxiety.
However, it is a full-time responsibility that not all people are willing to accept. Some are either too busy with work or traveling often. Thus, becoming a foster pet parent is one way of enjoying the company of a four-legged pal without the guilt of not being able to take care of it for the long haul.
Here are the other benefits of joining the fostering movement:
Practical Test Before Adoption
As a foster pet parent, you still have to take on the role of a mom or dad, albeit on a temporary basis. You will walk, feed, and provide it with love and care. It’s a great trial run for people who are still on the fence regarding adoption.
Increases the Pet’s Chance of Being Adopted
The advantage of fostering goes both ways. For the pet, being in a foster home prepares them to live in a permanent adoptive home. They will learn basic rules and commands that most pet parents will impose.
Pets Will Feel Wanted
Most pets in shelters have been through a lot. Some of them were abandoned, while others had to endure cruel owners. Fostering them will restore their confidence and self-esteem. You might just change their perspective of the world from fearsome to joyful.
Rescue Them from Euthanasia
Animal shelters and organizations take care of the abandoned, lost, and victims of animal cruelty. Unfortunately, with millions headed to various shelters every year, they have to contend with overcrowding. That’s why some are forced to euthanize.
Fostering will save the animals from this fate. Whether you adopt them or not, it will reduce their stress from negative experiences and the overcrowded shelter.
Now that you know better, are you excited to be a foster pet parent? If so, then you need some tips on fulfilling the role as best as you can.
Preparing Foster Pets for Adoption
As a foster pet parent, your main responsibility is to make them feel less anxious and ready for their permanent home and family.
These are the things you could do:
Provide TLC
Just like humans, pets need love and care. The shelter where you got your foster will provide training for feeding, grooming, playing, and medical care.
However, you also need to understand your limits as a foster parent. Keep in mind that you will likely have to let go of them eventually (unless, of course, you decide to adopt them).
Offer Healthy Distractions
Dogs love to chew, especially when bored. To keep them preoccupied, you can treat them to dental chews like Natural Farm Collagen Sticks. These are 95% collagen, odor-free, and proven to support joint flexibility.
Chews not only entertain but also aid in achieving bone strength, a shiny coat, and an active mind.
Exercise, Socialize, and Train
Take your foster pet to the park for running, playing, and socializing with other animals. While there, you might as well teach it to do simple tricks with basic commands like sit, down, come, stay, and leave it. When they master these, you can move on to more complex actions.
Training is a form of mental stimulation and physical exercise that builds confidence. And don’t forget to give your foster pet a treat as a reward for a job well done!
Educate Others About Animal Cruelty
You will surely meet other pet parents at the park. Take time to talk to them about the prevalence of animal cruelty and how all of you can help prevent it. In an ideal world, your foster pet should be the last victim.
Are You Ready to Be a Foster Pet Parent?
Even if it’s a temporary arrangement, you should research the type of dog that will be best for you. It would also be wise to get your doggy’s supplies from Natural Farm. Among our bestsellers are 100% natural dog chews made from ingredients sustainably sourced from Brazil.
The packaging we use is eco-friendly. A part of our profit supports non-profits as well. And the best part? We plant a tree for every purchase at our online shop!
Natural Farm is a proud advocate of the three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. Because when you take care of the environment, you are making it a better place for your pets!
Be sure to tag us using #LetsChewNatural so we can follow along with all of your fostering experiences! :)
