While giving should carry on throughout the year, one can easily take advantage of the holiday spirit to inspire this new habit now. Thanks to the economic situation, animal shelters and rescues are overflowing with pets like never before. This is the perfect opportunity to give service by volunteering or donating needed items. And while those are great options to help our local shelters, they are not the only way in which you can give this holiday season.
Many local animal rescues, who save pets from euthanization every day, can no longer take in pets for the sole reason that they have nowhere to put them. Like shelters, all rescues organizations are always filled to the brim. As a result, rescues are always in need of foster homes, and rightfully so. If a Rescue had an unlimited supply of foster homes they could save almost every animal from the shelter. Unfortunately, that isn’t reality and the short supply of foster homes only accentuates the fact that these rescues are very limited in their ability to save all homeless pets. They need your help. So, in the spirit of giving, why not consider opening your home to a pet in need.
I have personally fostered dogs in my home even though I had two dogs of my own at the time. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding becoming a foster pet parent. For the purpose of this article we will focus on dogs, but the questions apply for any animal you choose to foster.
Do I have to foster a dog?
No. There are always different animals in need throughout Southern California from turtles to goats. You can choose the animal that will fit your home and lifestyle best. Just keep in mind, different animals have different adoption rates and dogs are usually in higher demand.
How many dogs would I have to foster?
You may take in as many dogs or as few as you wish. Even fostering one dog would help a great deal.
Do I get to choose which dog I foster?
Rescues do their best to match you with the right dog for your home, personality, and lifestyle. If you need a dog who is good with children or other pets, they do their best to meet that criteria. They encourage a meet and greet before taking the dog home.
How much will it cost to foster a dog?
Most rescues have the funds to cover the cost of all veterinary care, food, and other supplies the dog may need. Double check with the rescue you are considering before applying to foster.
How long does it take for a dog to get adopted?
No one can predict how long it will take for the dog to find a new home. On average, it takes between a week and a month for a dog to find a permanent home. Some dogs, like puppies, usually get adopted more quickly than older dogs or dogs recovering from health problems.
Will I be involved in choosing the dog’s new owner?
Because foster parents have spent the most time with the dog they are usually the best judge of what kind of home is the best fit for their foster dog’s particular needs. For this reason, foster parents are usually involved in the screening process of potential adopters.
There are hundreds of animal rescue organizations in Southern California alone, with plenty of opportunities to volunteer, give donations, or open your home to a foster pet. Choose a local rescue today and give a pet a second chance.
To help start your search, here are some local Riverside County rescue groups:
No comments:
Post a Comment