by Cody Tyler

Created on: December 01, 2008   Last Updated: December 06, 2008

Fostering a pet is more than just temporarily taking an animal into your home. It is a major responsibility that takes time, patience and lots of love.

Before you can foster a dog, cat, bird, horse etc., you must meet certain requirements laid out by the Humane Society or the Adoption organization that you will be fostering for.

More often than not you will have to fill out a form detailing your experience with the type of pet you want to foster and answer several questions such as; "Why do you want to foster a pet?" "How much time will you be able to spend with the foster pet?" and other vital questions that will help the rescue group decide if you qualify to become a foster parent. Many agencies will also require a home visit to make sure that the living situation is adequate for whatever pet you are fostering. For a dog you may need a fenced in yard and a horse will need a stall and pasture. Once you've passed the home inspection you should be set to go.

When you pick up the animal that you will be fostering the humane society or adoption group should be able to tell you a little about the pet that you are about to take home. Perhaps the animal is timid and scared. Or maybe just the opposite, the pet may be large and hyperactive with no obedience training. You may have a baby that requires potty training or an elderly dog that has special needs. Whatever information they can give you will be helpful in how you interact with the pet.

Once you get the pet home give him/her plenty of time to explore their new surroundings. Although this is a much better situation than being at the shelter this is still a new and sometimes scary experience for them. If the animal is timid or frightened let him come to you. You will need to be patient and slowly earn the animal's trust. While the pet is in your care you should try to socialize the animal with other animals, people and young children.

You will also be responsible for taking the pet to a veterinarian. The rescue group should take care of the vet bills for your foster pet while you take care of administering any medications that may be necessary.

There are certain traits that you need to ascertain about your foster pet that will help him get matched with the right forever home. Using a dog as an example you need to be able to answer these types of questions.

1. Does the dog get along with other dogs?

2. Does the dog get along with cats?

3. How does the dog act around children?

4. How active is the dog?

5. Will the dog run away without a fenced yard?

Knowing the answers to these types of questions can help a family decide if the dog will fit in with their home situation.

One other thing to keep in mind when fostering a pet is that you may fall in love with him and you may become the forever home he was looking for! Now wouldn't that be a happy ending!

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