Many people avoid fostering dogs because they’re worried they’ll keep them all. A dog foster fail is a valid concern, but it doesn’t have to prevent you from fostering. There are plenty of ways to enjoy fostering dogs while also avoiding a dog foster failure. So, if you’re someone who loves the idea of fostering but hasn’t tried it because of the fear of getting too attached, keep reading to help you decide if fostering is right for you.
If you already know that you want to foster, consider fostering one of the critical dogs near Memphis. Fostering one would save their life!
What is a Foster Fail?
A “foster fail” refers to when a foster family decides to adopt their foster dog. The reason it’s a “fail” is because the goal of a foster family is to provide a temporary home for a foster dog until that dog gets adopted. Once the dog is adopted, the family can move on to their next foster dog.
The term “foster fail” may make it sound like a bad thing, but that’s not the case at all. Adopting a foster dog is failing at fostering, but it’s still a win for the dog and the family!
Why Do Foster Parents Not Want to Foster Fail?
The goal of fostering is not to adopt your foster dog because adopting the dog could make it harder for you to foster more dogs in the future. So, most foster parents want to stay strong by not adopting their foster so they can help more dogs in the future.
Also, just because a foster family loves their foster dog doesn’t mean it’s the right fit. The foster family might not have the time and money to commit to another permanent pet. Or maybe the dog would do best in a home without pets or kids while the foster home has both.
Therefore, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to fostering. Also, more often than not, foster failing isn’t the right decision for the dog or the family.
Is it Okay to Foster Fail?
Yes, it’s okay to foster fail dogs! If the foster parent is able to adopt and the home is suitable for the dog long-term, then adopting the dog may be what’s best. Plus, the dog will get to stay in a comfortable environment without having to go through a transition again.
However, you should never go into fostering expecting to foster fail. If it happens, it happens, but fostering is only supposed to be a temporary situation. So, it’s important to go into it with that mindset.
How to Avoid a Dog Foster Failure
For many foster parents, it’s hard not to adopt every foster dog. So, many dog lovers have to take extra precautions to make sure they don’t adopt their foster dog. Here are some tips for dog lovers worried about foster failing.
Have the Right Mindset
Make sure you have realistic expectations when you start fostering. You’ll be providing a temporary home for a dog until someone adopts them. Then, you move on to the next foster dog. It’s easy to fall in love with the dogs, but the reality is that we’re just a blip in their lives. We’re an important part of their journey, but the time in their foster home is such a small period of time in the grand scheme of things.
So, make sure you keep these things in mind throughout the fostering process. If you spend too much time thinking, “Maybe I could adopt this dog,” you’re more likely to get attached and feel sad when they leave.
Advertise the Dog as Much as Possible
If you consistently help the dog find a forever home, it’s easier to remind yourself that the dog is only a temporary resident. So, help the organization advertise the dog, which could include making social media posts and attending adoption events. Plus, the better the dog is advertised, the sooner they’ll likely get adopted. Getting adopted quicker leaves you with less time to worry about whether or not you should keep the dog.
Have Different Expectations for Your Foster Dog and Your Dogs
It’s okay to treat your foster dog differently than your personal dogs. In fact, it’s typically preferred. Since the foster dog isn’t a permanent resident, they shouldn’t get as much freedom as your dogs.
For example, you might let your dogs sleep in bed with you, but you shouldn’t let the foster dog in bed in case their adopters don’t want dogs in their bed. Maybe you let your dogs roam free when they’re home alone, but you’d prefer your foster dog to be confined while you’re away. You should also be able to give your own dogs extra attention without feeling bad about leaving the foster dog out.
Setting these boundaries can help you remember that the foster dog isn’t your dog. Treating them too similarly could make it harder for you to separate your foster dog from your dogs.
Talk to Other Foster Parents
Take the time to get to know other foster parents. You’ll likely meet them at adoption events and in online rescue groups. It’s good to have people who can relate to you when it comes to fostering because then you’ll have someone to talk to when fostering gets emotional or difficult. If you’re ever having a hard time saying goodbye to a foster dog, talk to fellow foster parents for advice.
Don’t Be Blinded By the Dog’s Good Qualities
When falling in love with a dog, it’s easy to focus on their good qualities (because dogs have so many of them!) Maybe you love how they give you lots of kisses or you adore how calm they are. It’s easy to only focus on those parts of a dog when fostering, but not every dog will be the perfect dog for you.
So, if you’re worried you’ll foster fail when you don’t have the time or money for an extra dog, try to remind yourself why the dog might not be a good fit for you. Maybe they’d be better off with a dog they can play with but your dog likes to keep to themselves. Maybe they need more exercise than you can provide.
Normally, it’s good to look on the bright side of things, but with foster dogs, it’s okay to think about the things you dislike about them. It often makes it easier to say goodbye.
Consider Short Term Dog Fostering
Some organizations offer short term dog fostering where there’s a specific end date. This could occur if a dog has an adopter lined up but isn’t able to go home immediately. Or it could be necessary if a foster parent needs someone else to take their foster dog for a while. This type of fostering is great for people worried about foster failing because it puts a timeline on it.
With a timeline in place, you’ll have more realistic expectations because you know the dog will be leaving on a certain date. If this type of fostering sounds preferable to you, contact the organization to find out if they offer short term dog fostering.
Remind Yourself Why You’re Fostering
Whenever you find yourself thinking about foster failing, take a step back to remind yourself why you’re fostering. You’re fostering to save a dog’s life. And once that dog gets adopted, you can take in another dog in need. If you adopt your dog, it might be harder for you to continue fostering, so keep that in mind before adopting your foster dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is it Okay to Foster Fail?
If you feel that your home is the ideal place for your foster dog and you have the time and money for an extra dog, it’s okay to foster fail. The term is misleading because you’re not failing at all. As long as you’ve fully thought it through before adopting your foster dog, it’ll likely be a great thing for both you and the dog.
Can I Adopt My First Foster Dog?
It depends on the organization’s rules. Some shelters and rescues allow foster parents to adopt any of their foster dogs while other organizations may not allow foster parents to adopt the first few dogs to ensure they’re committed to fostering. Before you foster, ask the organization what their rules are.
Is it Common for Dog Foster Parents to Foster Fail?
It’s common for dog foster parents to foster fail at some point in their lives. However, foster parents need to be confident that their home is the right place for the dog before adopting them.
Can I Still Foster Other Animals After I’ve Foster Failed?
Yes, most organizations will have no problem with you continuing to foster after you adopt a foster dog. Yet, you need to ask yourself if fostering dogs will still be manageable now that you have an extra pet of your own.
Should I Feel Guilty if I Foster Fail?
No, there’s no need to feel guilty if you foster fail dogs. It’s up to the foster parent to decide what the best home for the dog is, and sometimes, that perfect home is with you. So, as long as you’ve thought it through, there’s no need to feel bad for keeping your foster dog. After all, you’re giving them a good home.
Fostering Failing is Better Than Not Fostering At All
Not every foster parent should adopt their foster dog, but foster failing is better than not fostering at all. It still provides a loving home for a dog in need, which could save that dog’s life. Yet, if you’re not in a place to adopt another dog, there are plenty of ways to help you avoid a dog foster fail. You just need to stay strong, have the right expectations, and remind yourself that you’re doing an incredible thing by fostering.
Please don’t let the idea of foster failing deter you from helping a dog in need. If you live near Memphis, fostering dogs will save lives. Check out the critical dogs that need foster homes and consider welcoming one into your home. These dogs deserve a second chance, and they could be euthanized in shelters if they’re not fostered in time. Every dog foster parent makes a difference!
