Many organizations provide their fosters with training, and information about the pet’s temperament and medical needs. Fosters are given essential supplies, such as food and access to veterinary care, and a 24-hour emergency number if problems arise.
Pet fosters must remember that they are a vital, but temporary guardian to a dog or cat in need.
Most shelters and rescues require fosters to make the pets in their charge available for adoption events, and coordinate drop-off or pick-up of the animals for this purpose. There are many situations for which a temporary home may be needed:
- Puppies and kittens that are too young to be adopted
- Nursing cats and dogs
- Ill, injured, disabled or other animals that may need regular medication or medical attention
- Dogs in need of socialization and training in a home or family environment
- Any animal that is highly stressed in a shelter, particularly older dogs and cats
- Previously abused, neglected or abandoned animals that need to form a healthy bond with people
- Animals displaced due to natural or other disaster awaiting reunion with their families