Fostering a pet: everything you need to know
If you’d love a little pet to have around but can’t quite make a full-time commitment, being a foster parent to a furry friend could be the answer for you.
Organisations such as Guide Dogs Australia, RSPCA and Pet Foster are always looking for part-time pet owners. So if you’ve wanted to have some animal company but have been turned off by things like, the costs associated with vet visits and restrictions on you taking holidays and leaving the house, then part-time pet ownership would be right for you. It’s pretty perfect really. Picture this: caring for a cute puppy for one year and then handing it over to a worthy cause. This is exactly the type of thing available to loving carers and homes when you sign up to a Guide Dog puppy raising program.
How it works
At the Guide Dog programs you are lucky enough to take home a puppy at the cute age of seven weeks and the commitment is for a 10-month period. There are also other options to look into if that’s too long.
The RSPCA also has pet fostering options set up. For as little as one week up to a couple of months, depending on the circumstances of the animal there are a many time frames to work with. You could be looking after an animal while an adoption is sorted or you could care for an animal who is recovering from surgery. In any case, the RSPCA will give you a time estimate of how long you’re needed to care for furry little friend before you take on an animal.
What responsibilities are involved?
If you decide to become a foster pet parent you assume the role of animal raiser for the period of time the animal is in your care. Responsibilities include, feeding, grooming, daily exercise, basic obedience, house training and visits to the vet as needed. And depending on where you have fostered the animal from, you may be required to attend workshops and training sessions as part of the program – this is more so for the Guide Dog programs.
Are there costs involved?
Both the RSPCA and Guide Dogs help out in covering the costs of fostering an animal. Most costs are covered through Guide Dogs – think boarding, vet bills, food and equipment like a bed, leash and food bowl. Whereas the RSPCA provide veterinary care and support and also give food, kitty litter and other items.