In the fear, distress and uncertainty that is the COVID-19 pandemic, there is at least one silver lining: with people spending far more time at home, public participation in fostering rescued animals has increased exponentially. In March, when lockdowns were first implemented in the United States, many smaller shelters witnessed a never before seen phenomenon: row upon row of empty cages. Working from home is allowing people to engage in projects they’ve never had the time for, and fostering an animal is one of the most noble projects you can take on in your own home.
Animals need foster homes for a variety of reasons. Underaged animals, especially kittens, are often euthanized in shelters because of the lack of staff onsite for round-the-clock care; most shelters are constantly seeking foster placement for young kittens and other underage animals to raise and prepare them for adoption. With unweaned kittens, this can be incredibly time consuming, but watching the fascinating process of a baby animal’s development and growth can be an incredibly fulfilling experience.
Foster based rescue groups lack facilities to keep animals, and depend entirely on volunteer fosters to care for animals of all ages until adoption. Some highly adoptable animals with no behavior issues can be an easy and brief commitment, while “project animals” can be longer term guests in a foster’s home but provide a deeply rewarding experience. Some shelters, such as the facility I am currently working as an animal care technician for, seek foster homes for frightened or shut down animals who are struggling to thrive in a chaotic shelter environment but blossom in the quiet and consistent environment of a home.
A reputable shelter or rescue group should pair fosters in accordance with their comfort and experience level as well as desired length of commitment.
If you are interested in fostering during your time at home, reach out to your local shelters and rescue groups. Despite the surge in willing foster homes, there are still countless animals seeking foster placement and your temporary commitment will save a life!
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