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    Fostering,  Pets

    5 Reasons Why I think Fostering a Pet is a Good Idea

    Lately, I’ve been getting that itch to get another pet. I have some reservations, however, as I feel like I may not be 100% ready. I talked about this in my post called When is the Right Time to Adopt another Pet? Then I realized that fostering a pet may be an option to consider. I’ve never fostered before, so I’d have to do some homework to see what’s required seriously. Also, what if I get too attached to the pet and don’t want to let them go? Am I ready for this? What about vet care or if there is an emergency?

    I have many questions going through my head, and I think I should chill and breathe. The most important benefit I can think of is saving a life. Far too many animals’ lives are at stake. Millions of cats and dogs are homeless on the streets and get euthanized annually due to insufficient shelter space, abandonment, or owner surrender.

    Fostering would be a great idea, I think. Putting things in perspective in the grand scheme of things, saving a life far outweighs my concerns, like getting attached.

    One could argue that if that were to happen, perhaps it would be fate and that it is meant to be your new family companion, right? After thinking about this and doing a quick search, I found 5 reasons why I believe fostering a pet is a good idea (however, I’m sure there are many more)!

    1. Fostering saves lives

    According to the World Animal Foundation via ASPCA. “More than 6.3 million animals enter US animal shelters yearly. With this in mind, it’s clear that fostering a cat or dog helps to save lives. Fostering physically removes them from harm, the threat of euthanasia, and a real chance of being adopted into a forever home.

    2. Fostering can be Self-healing after loss

    The second reason I thought of fostering is finding healing after loss. This blog is about moving forward after pet loss and finding new and different ways to incorporate inspiration, joy, and wellness in life. Helping to raise and socialize and have fun with puppies or kittens would bring much joy and fulfillment. Not only would fostering help save lives, but through daily interaction and bonding, I think that would help heal the heart.

    cat enjoying scratches under chin

    3. You can incorporate fun into your daily life

    In getting to share your home with a new foster pet, you share time, experiences, and lots of laughs. Over time I think one would be able to find a new furry friend through this experience. Also, when raising and socializing animals to be ready for adoption, there are plenty of silly moments and laughs to experience. Whether that is laughing at the food smashed on their face that they cannot quite lick off their face or the funny things a pet does to entertain themselves as you look on. Fostering brings fulfillment and fun along the way.

    4. Pets will know they are loved

    With fun and fulfillment comes love. If there is one thing both humans and animals of all kinds crave in this world, aside from food and shelter, it is love. To foster a pet is to show them that real love does exist and to know that there are humans in this world willing and able to show and give love. Just as people experience abuse, animals do too. Whether it’s local kids abusing animals or dogs involved in dog fighting, many animals are not so lucky at avoiding physical and mental abuse. Fostering a pet would provide a brand new experience for many abandoned and abused animals to finally understand that love does exist and they are worthy of having love in their lives. When pets feel loved, they will reciprocate it tenfold.

    5. Animals deserve a Happy Ending

    Last but not least, every story should have a happy ending. Fostering allows an animal’s journey to have a happy end and a new beginning. As a foster parent, I see two outcomes. One result could be that I could fall in love with my foster pet, adopt them into my home, and live together as part of the family. On the other hand, as intended, a pet parent is eventually found and matched with the foster pet. The dog or cat finally has a forever home and family to go to and spend the rest of their days. In both cases, this would be a happy ending for all involved.

    Final Thoughts

    So those are my 5 reasons why I think fostering a pet is a good idea. I have a couple of organizations in mind for fostering noted below in the USA/Tri-State area in case you or anyone you know may be interested in fostering too.

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    5 Reasons Why I think Fostering a Pet is a Good Idea

    Resources -Fostering/Adopting a Pet

    ASPCA  Foster Program (Nationwide)

    Best Friends of NY -Foster Program  (NY/NJ/CT Tri-state Area)

    Kitty Kind – Foster Program (NYC area)

    Foster Dogs NYC (NYC area)

    Petfinder  -Adoption (nationwide)

    If this post resonated with you or if you are looking to find out additional information about fostering, check out these two video clips below.

    Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIT0ZekvixY

    Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIq1UZ5JkgQ

    Leave a comment

    Have you fostered a pet before? Did any of these reasons resonate with you? Would you add anything? Comment and share below.

    **Originally posted April 28, 2021. Updated November 2023**