I have fostered pets on and off for 15 years, and for Anthem Pets for the last 3 years. I got started by reaching out to the shelter in my hometown and began taking dogs for walks, on outings, and for the weekend. When I moved to Arizona, I found that there are so many rescues and shelters that need fosters: some help just dogs, others just cats, and many do both and even exotics.
I’ve fostered so many different breeds of dogs including Chihuahuas, Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, Husky mixes, and certified Mutts. I have also fostered bottle kittens, sassy feral mommas and kitty’s looking for new homes. With Anthem Pets I have fostered or held over 25 animals. I currently have 7 foster animals, plus our 3 barn kitties, 9 chickens and 3 horses and 1 dog. I haven’t yet had a foster failure (Adopting a foster pet is lovingly known as a foster failure).
There are challenges to fostering. Pets have different likes and fears, and many arrive with little to no experience of living with people or other animals. Most spend the first 2-3 days decompressing and getting used to a new environment, so it can take a lot of patience. It’s challenging that every day there are 10 new animals who need a foster. It’s challenging because you want the best for their future, and some may not get a forever home. It’s a great feeling to get updates from the adopters with pictures and random updates about how my former foster pets are doing. I have had animals take over 9 months to get adopted and had a few returned. I have had some very memorable foster pets: I’m reminded of one because of the door handle it chewed, and when I see hot air balloons, I remember Georgie who would bark and bark.
There are so many great things about fostering. You get to meet animals who are often in transition; Maybe from one home to another, or from the street to home, or kennel, etc. As a foster you get to help animals learn, grow and succeed. You get to help animals gain trust of people, show them how to play and explore all sorts of new snacks. The animals all have different stories that we will never know, and as a foster you might be the hero of their story.
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Please consider becoming a foster. The need is great, and you can make a real difference in the life of a pet. Click here to read about fostering with Anthem Pets.