Why foster? Why not!

By: Kelsey Barry

Whenever I tell someone I work with volunteers and foster homes, the next thing I usually hear out of their mouth is “I could never foster, I’d become too attached!” Now look, I get it. We, as humans, get attached to things easily (I named the geese that live on HHS’ roof, I am very well aware of this). When it comes to fostering, however, I try to have new foster homes visualize that we are a stepping stone for these animals. We may not be their final stop, but we are a pivotal part of finding them their forever homes!

The next sentence I usually hear is “I couldn’t afford another animal right now.” Most shelters and rescues usually send you home with supplies or can reimburse you for whatever you need to purchase. When we send a foster home, we make sure they have plenty of food, supplies, toys, blankets, anything they may need to make the transition home easier. You can check in with your foster coordinator (or whoever is running the program) with any questions, concerns, or updates while you foster, so that you never have to worry.

If you have been telling yourself that you’ve always wanted to foster, this is the time to do it! Kitten season is in full swing and shelters, rescues, and feral cat communities are packed with pregnant cats, orphaned kittens (otherwise known as bottle babies), and litters looking for a place to stay before they’re adoptable. As long as you have a safe, warm environment for them to thrive, you are a prime candidate for fostering. You can use an extra bedroom, bathroom, laundry room, or spare space for these little ones to grow or even to help an adult dog or cat get out of the shelter for a little R&R. Some facilities even have programs where you can take a dog out for a little field trip and get them out of the kennels for a bit.

Now, back to the "becoming too attached" portion of this blog. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t always easy to bring back your fosters. I fostered an adult cat who just needed a week out of the shelter - he now has a recurring cat subscription box that comes to my home and demands every pillow be his. The term “foster failure” always rubs me the wrong way. You did not fail... you saved an animal and therefore have a new best friend for life. But you shouldn’t feel guilty about bringing your foster(s) back to the shelter, either. Have you ever had a litter of kittens in your home? It’s like having the ‘85 Chicago Bears practice in your living room but then scream at you for snacks. While it is very fun and rewarding, you will be happy when they are off to find their forever homes.

You can foster for a few days, a week, or a month. You can bring home an adult who needs some time away, a litter of kittens or puppies, or an animal who needs some extra love and TLC due to a medical condition. No matter what, you are helping that facility make room to help save another homeless animal in need. So why not call up your local humane society, rescue, or shelter and see if they are in need of a new foster home? You never know... you could find your new best friend or help someone find theirs!

For more information on the HHS foster program, click here.