Animal welfare organizations work to place lost, abandoned, abused and relinquished animals in permanent homes. This helps relieve overcrowding and reduces an animal’s stress by providing a temporary and supportive sanctuary while he awaits permanent adoption.
People who need care for their pets due to emergency or disaster rely on pet fosters while they re-establish their lives. And deploying military personnel may need temporary yet long-term pet care if they do not have reliable family or friends who can commit to their pet’s care during long deployments.
Shelters and rescues try to match dogs and cats with homes that best fit the needs of both the animal and the pet foster’s lifestyle. Experts typically recommend keeping one’s own companion and foster pets apart to minimize potential disharmony.