by Kate Manning

Created on: November 27, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

It is the sad truth that all over the world, SPCA organizations, Humane Societies and other animal rescue shelter are obtaining equines from neglectful or abusive situations. One can only begin to imagine what some horses and donkeys are put through physically and emotionally by owners who wish to do them harm, or who don't know any better for the good of the animal. But rescue organizations are often limited for space and as soon as they reach their capacity, it can become difficult to house such large animals.

This is where a foster home comes in. If you have the space and means to care for horses and/or donkeys, you can offer your services at your local shelters. By becoming a foster home for equines, you can have a hand in rehabilitating the animals and nursing them back to their healthy, happy selves - giving them a second chance and letting them know that life is not always like what they have already experienced.

While you may not need to do anything other than care and love for the animal(s) you foster, the organization who rescued them will continue to search for a permanent home for them. This means you must become accustomed to a horse or donkey possibly moving from your home to another home, but you can always have the peace of mind that it will undoubtedly be a good home. Plus, that makes room for new residents at your own property!

So what can you do to become a foster home, and what can you do to make sure that the equine's stay (short or long) at your farm is a comfortable and happy one?

*Firstly, analyze your own property. Do you have enough acreage? Do you have ample and comfortable shelter? Do you have adequate grass, or can you provide sufficient hay for them to eat? Are your paddocks/fields safely fenced - ie. No barbed wire, weak wood or broken fence lines where they could escape? Do you have the financial means - remember horses are expensive to keep?

* Next, apply to be a foster home. Notify or visit your local shelters, either private rescue homes or national organizations like the ASPCA, that you would like to be a foster home for horses and donkeys. Some places may just put you on their database for when they receive horses, however they may wish to view your property to make sure you have the resources for caring for the animals, or some may wish for you to fill out and sign an application. However, if you adhere to the organizations requirements, then there is little reason you should be denied. Again, rescue agencies are in constant

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