Many people like to consider the pros and cons of something before making a big decision, so fostering dogs is no different. If you’re considering fostering but have never done it before, it’s normal to think about what’s good and bad about it. To help you make a decision, we’ve compiled a list of the fostering dogs pros and cons. Fostering is a great experience for some, but it’s not the right type of volunteering for everyone. It’s up to you to decide.
If you live near Memphis, please consider fostering one of the dogs at risk of euthanasia. Fostering them would save their lives!
Pros of Fostering a Dog
Many people love fostering dogs because there are so many benefits. Below are a few reasons to foster a dog.
Fostering Saves Lives
The biggest benefit of fostering is that it saves lives. If you foster directly from a crowded shelter, you could be saving that dog from euthanasia. If you foster from a rescue, that rescue likely transports some dogs out of shelters, so you’d also be saving a dog’s life. Fostering opens up space for more dogs to be saved, regardless of which organization you foster from.
Fostering is Rewarding
Fostering is often perceived as sad, but it’s also very rewarding. When the dog goes off to their forever home, you’ll feel good knowing that you helped give that dog a better life. If you foster a dog with a traumatic past, it’s especially heartwarming because you’ll get to see that dog come out of their shell and become healthier. You get to see the dog’s progress every step of the way, which is why it’s often more rewarding than other types of volunteering.
There’s No Long-Term Commitment
Fostering is a great option for people who love dogs but can’t commit to adopting one. The amount of time a foster dog is with you will vary, usually between a few weeks to a few months. Even if your foster stays longer than you expect, it’s still a much smaller commitment than adopting a dog that will live 10 to 15 more years. So, you can have a dog short-term without having to pay for the expenses associated with a dog.
You Learn About a Variety of Dogs
Since fostering is short-term, you can choose dogs that you normally wouldn’t adopt. So, it’s a great opportunity to spend time with dogs of a variety of breeds, ages, and temperaments. With that experience, you can help people find their perfect dog and you’ll have a better idea of what dogs to adopt for yourself in the future. You’ll learn a lot more about dog behavior and health than you would otherwise.
It Could Benefit Your Current Pets
Fostering can be great for socializing your existing pets. Dogs are social creatures, so they often benefit from having another dog around. Plus, your dog can help the foster dog gain confidence in their new environment. Not all dogs will do well with foster pets around, but most will enjoy it.
You Become Part of a Community
When you get involved in fostering, you’ll meet lots of people who are as passionate about dogs as you are. Having other people to talk about animal rescue with is such as great feeling. While you’re fostering, you’ll always have others to support you and help you out. So, you’re never alone when it comes to animal-related volunteering.
Cons of Fostering a Dog
While fostering is a wonderful experience, it can be difficult at times. Here are some reasons people are hesitant to foster.
Fostering Can Be Overwhelming
While many foster dogs are easy, that’s not always the case. Some dogs lack training or have behavior problems. If you end up with a foster dog that you don’t know how to properly care for, it can be stressful. Plus, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when the dog doesn’t act as you’re expecting. It’s a lot of responsibility since it’s 24/7 volunteering, which is why some people are hesitant to try it.
However, organizations want you to enjoy fostering and successfully help your foster dog. So, they won’t just give you a difficult dog right off the bat. You can tell the organization what your preferences are so they can help you find a foster dog that fits your lifestyle. Organizations won’t force you to take a dog if you’re not ready. Fostering is a lot more flexible than people typically believe.
It Could Disrupt Your Routine
Even if your foster dog is an angel, having an extra dog around is a big change. You’ll likely need to adjust your routine to accommodate an extra pet, which can be difficult for some people. It’s an adjustment for you just like it is for the foster dog. However, many foster parents overcome these changes by reminding themselves that they’re saving lives in the process.
It Can Be Sad When the Dog Leaves
The biggest reason many people avoid fostering is because they worry about how heartbroken they’ll be when the dog leaves. For many foster parents, fostering can be sad. It can be difficult to say goodbye to a dog that you spent so much time getting to know. However, you’ll likely also feel a sense of joy knowing the dog is going to have a great life. It may feel even better to remind yourself that you helped that dog find their forever home. So, while fostering is sad at times, the happy moments greatly outweigh the sorrowful ones.
The Pros Outweigh the Cons When Fostering Dogs
Of course, fostering dogs can be challenging, but overall, the pros greatly outweigh the cons. Fostering is a fun and rewarding experience that saves the lives of dogs in need. So, whenever you’re feeling frustrated with your foster dog, you can remind yourself of the impact you’re making.
Plus, fostering doesn’t have to be something you do forever. There’s no harm in trying it once and then deciding it’s not for you. Even fostering one dog can save dogs in need, so it’s something every dog lover to try at least once in their life.
However, if you’re certain fostering isn’t for you, there are plenty of other ways you can help dogs in need. Adopting, donating, and volunteering in other ways can also make a huge difference. So, even if you can’t foster, you can still make an impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Fostering Dogs Work?
Fostering is when you open your home to a dog until they get adopted. So, foster families are in charge of giving that dog care and love in the meantime. The rescue or shelter will typically cover all essential expenses for the dog.
Why is Fostering Dogs Important?
Fostering dogs is important because many shelters are overcrowded and forced to put dogs down. Every time a dog is fostered, it opens up space for more dogs to be saved. So, fostering really does save lives.
How Long Does Fostering a Dog Typically Last?
Foster dogs typically stay in their foster homes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. It all depends on the dog’s location, breed, age, temperament, and medical needs.
Can I Choose the Dog I Foster?
Yes, most organizations let you choose which dog you want to foster. So, you can pick a dog that fits your lifestyle. For example, someone with a busy schedule might not be able to handle a puppy, but a senior dog may be more manageable.
Can I Adopt the Dog I’m Fostering?
Yes, most organizations let foster families adopt their foster dogs. However, you shouldn’t go into fostering with the expectation of adopting a dog because it might not work out that way. Some rescues don’t allow foster families to adopt their first foster dog to ensure they’re committed to fostering.
Consider Fostering Dogs to Save Lives!
If you’re on the fence, consider all the pros and cons of fostering a dog before deciding if it’s right for you. Remember, you could save a dog’s life by fostering, so you might as well try it at least once if you’re able. It can be sad and overwhelming at times, but the good parts of fostering make it all worth it.
There are lots of dogs in Memphis that desperately need foster homes. Many of them will be euthanized if they don’t find a foster home in time. So, if you live nearby, please consider fostering one of these at-risk dogs. They all deserve a second chance at life. You can fill out Memphis Animal Services’ foster application to get started.
