Over half of U.S. households have a pet, so there are animal lovers all around us. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), only 8% of U.S. households foster pets. The reason that percentage is so low in comparison to pet lovers overall is because there are so many dog fostering myths that cause people to be hesitant to try fostering. However, dogs are dying in shelters every day because not enough people are stepping up to foster, so it’s time to debunk those myths.
If you’re interested in fostering dogs and you live in the Memphis area, consider fostering one of the dogs at risk of euthanasia. You could save a life.
Dog Fostering Myths
The following are things people commonly say as an excuse for not fostering dogs, but you don’t have to let these assumptions hold you back. Fostering can be a lot more flexible and manageable than people realize.
1. “I Don’t Have Enough Time to Foster.”
Foster dogs require a decent amount of time and attention just like your personal pets, but it’s not as time-consuming as it may seem. Rescue dogs come in a variety of ages, breeds, and temperaments, so if you’re worried about finding the time, you can foster a laid-back dog. Oftentimes, the dogs that need foster homes the most are seniors, and they won’t need nearly as much exercise and attention as a puppy would. So, even if you can’t take on a challenging dog, fostering an easy dog can still open space for more dogs to be saved.
2. “I Wouldn’t Be Able to Give Up My Foster Dogs.”
This is a common excuse for not fostering, and it’s understandable. Dogs have a way of stealing our hearts, so it can be hard for some foster parents to let the dogs go. However, many foster parents feel more happy than sad when their foster dog gets adopted. At many organizations, you get a say on who adopts the dog and you may be able to stay in touch with the adopter so you can feel good about where your foster dog is going. Even if you feel sad, you still saved that dog’s life and opened up space at the shelter, so that’s something to feel good about.
3. “I Can’t Afford Foster Dogs.”
Dogs are expensive, which is why we can’t adopt every dog we fall in love with. But luckily, fostering dogs usually costs little to nothing. Many organizations provide foster parents with food, vet care, and other essentials. So, you get a temporary dog without breaking the bank.
4. “I Can’t Travel If I Foster Dogs.”
Dog lovers who have trips planned often assume they can’t foster dogs. However, fostering is rarely a long-term commitment. Your foster dog may get adopted before your next trip comes around. If they don’t, most organizations can help you find another volunteer to watch your foster dog while you’re away.
5. “I Don’t Have Enough Space to Foster Dogs.”
You don’t need a big house or even a yard to foster dogs. Not all dogs need space to run around, so a small dog or a senior dog could be fine in an apartment or small house. You could even foster large breeds if you’re able to take them for frequent walks. If you don’t own your home, you can still foster if you get your landlord’s permission.
6. “Rescue Dogs Always Have Problems.”
A lot of rescue dogs have special care requirements, but that’s not always the case. Some rescue dogs are surrendered by families who can’t care for them, so they’ve lived in a home their whole lives and are trained. Thus, some dogs that need foster homes are well-behaved and easy to care for. Talk to the organization to find a foster dog that you can manage.
7. “I Can’t Foster Since I Have My Own Pets.”
Unless your pets are aggressive toward all other pets, they will likely do well around foster dogs with a proper adjustment period. Choose a foster dog that you think your pets will get along with and slowly introduce them to the other pets in your household. Even if you need to separate your pets from the foster dog most of the time, it’s just a temporary situation. For some pets, fostering dogs can be good for socialization.
8. “I Can’t Foster Since I Have Children.”
The same goes for kids and it does for pets – it depends on the foster dog. Some dogs will be great around kids while others are best in adult-only homes. Talk to the organization to decide which dogs will do best around your children. As long as the dog is kid-friendly and the kids know how to be gentle around dogs, fostering with children around should be no problem.
9. “I Don’t Have Enough Experience With Dogs to Foster.”
You don’t have to be a dog expert to foster. Even if you’ve never lived with dogs before, you can give it a try. People at the rescue can help you and answer any questions you might have. Plus, if you let them know that you’re new to caring for a dog, they can make sure your first foster dog is an easy one.
10. “I Won’t Be Able To Choose My Foster Dogs.”
Some people worry that if they foster, they’ll get stuck with a dog they can’t handle. However, an organization will never hand you a dog without your consent. You’ll have an opportunity to tell them your preferences, and in many situations, you can pick the exact dog you want to foster. The organization may ask you to foster certain dogs, but if a dog doesn’t seem like a good fit for your household, you don’t have to agree.
11. “Shelter Dogs Will Be Fine if I Don’t Foster.”
It’s easy to assume others will step up to foster dogs if you won’t, but sadly, that’s not always the case. Dogs are very overpopulated in the U.S., so many shelters are forced to put dogs down to free up space. Even if the foster dog you’re interested in isn’t at a kill shelter, the rescue likely transports dogs from kill shelters to their rescue. Thus, every dog fostered can help reduce the number of dogs dying in shelters.
Why Fostering Dogs is Important
Fostering dogs is important because fostering saves lives. With so many fostering myths going around, it’s easy for dog lovers to come up with excuses for not fostering. Fostering can be a lot of work, but the positives greatly outweigh the negatives. If every dog lover tried fostering, even just once, so many critical dogs could be saved from kill shelters before having to be put down. Fostering not only helps the one dog in your home, but it can also free up space for more dogs to be saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Foster Dogs Sad When They Leave?
Foster dogs may feel sad when they first leave their foster home, but they won’t be sad in the long run. They will adjust to their new home and fall in love with their family. Some dogs adapt to a new home right away while others need more time, but either way, they will be okay!
How Can I Foster Dogs Near Me?
Visit the websites of local rescues and shelters to find out what their fostering programs are like. If you find one that interests you, apply to be a foster parent. Don’t overlook kill shelters because they desperately need foster homes to keep dogs alive.
Can You Foster if You Have a Dog?
Yes, you can foster if you already have a dog, especially if your dog loves other dogs. You can specifically choose a dog-friendly dog to foster to reduce the risk of fights between them and your pets. When bringing home a foster dog, go slow when introducing them to your dog.
Why are There Still Kill Shelters?
Kill shelters still exist because municipal shelters often have limited space and resources despite their high intakes. With so many puppy mills mass-producing dogs and not enough people spaying and neutering, the dog population is out of control. So, some shelters are forced to put dogs down because they’re left with no other options. Sadly, shelters put down hundreds of thousands of dogs every year.
Critical Dogs Need Foster Homes
Many dogs urgently need foster homes, some of which could be put down if they can’t find one in time. At We Foster Dogs, we help at-risk dogs find foster homes in the Memphis area. If you live nearby, please visit the list of dogs urgently needing foster homes and choose one to foster. If you still can’t foster even with all these fostering myths debunked, share our website to help us reach more dog lovers.
For anyone outside of the Memphis area, there are still dogs that need foster homes near you. Dogs in kill shelters need foster homes the most, but fostering from other organizations can open up space for rescues to save more dogs from euthanasia. Every dog fostered can help save lives, so please consider trying it! Rescue dogs desperately need our help more than ever.
