A pet foster parent provides temporary, in-home
care for friendly kittens, puppies, dogs, cats, rabbits,
or other animals in need until they can be placed
for adoption. Pet foster parents can also care temporarily
for animals who belong to people who must leave their
homes immediately for some reason or other. And above all, pet foster parents can "try" an animal out to see if it is the right fit.
Who should foster?
- Someone who cannot, at the moment, adopt a pet
for its entire lifetime.
- Someone who is not sure how its pet would get
along with a new cat or dog
- Someone who never had the chance to have a pet
but would really like to have one now.
- Someone who loves pets and has some room to welcome
them while they wait for an adoptive home.
Why are pet foster parents needed?
 In
NYC, animal shelters euthanize thousands of healthy and
friendly animals each year to make space for the new
ones coming in due to limited holding space. Local
animal rescue groups have to turn away dozens of
adoptable animals each week because they lack foster
parents. Not only do foster parents maximize the
number of animals rescued, they also help to care
for animals that would be difficult to care for in
a shelter or kennel environment: puppies and kittens
with immune systems not strong enough to fight germs,
orphaned or feral kittens, animals recovering from
major surgery, or dogs needing one-on-one behavior
rehabilitation or a break from the shelter. And ALL
animals in foster homes always find permanent adoptive
homes.
What does it entail?
All the normal responsibilities of a caretaker of an animal companion. Foster caretakers are required to take the dog or cat into their own home and treat it like one of the family. The animal is normally fostered for as long as it takes to find it a home. This time can vary considerably.
What does it do for the animal?
The animal learns manners and socialization and is much less stressed than it would be in a shelter environment. Dogs that learn to bond and be confident in a consistent environment are able to do so again in a new home. By teaching them manners and basic obedience skills you assist them to become the sort of companion which most families want. Often they have come from a difficult situation and restoring their confidence and trust is an important step in developing an animal that is well mannered, tolerant, loving and responsive.
How much does it cost?
The cost of their food and the time it takes to care for them. BAFN covers veterinary expenses. The dog or cat is desexed, vaccinated and wormed prior to you taking it into your home. The animal comes with basic equipment such as a collar and ID tags.
I already own a dog and a cat. Can I still
foster?
Before you bring a foster animal home, consult with
your veterinarian to make sure your own pets are
up-to-date on their vaccinations. You may wish to
ask your veterinarian if your pets need any additional
vaccinations.
Can I adopt the animal I foster?
Yes. Foster parents who whish to adopt the animal
they foster go through the same screening process
as adoption applicants.
I would like to foster. What's next?
We will ask you to complete a foster care application,
and will want to check your references and visit
your home prior to approval. If you have pets of
your own, those pets must be up-to-date on their
vaccinations. Some other requirements may apply,
depending on the individual needs of a particular
pet. Pets needing to be fostered will be matched
with a particular foster parent based on the pet's
needs and compatibility with the foster parent.
For more information about fostering an animal e-mail us.
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