By Kiley Garrett
Many people are feeling conflicted about adopting a new pet right now. On one hand, you have so much more free time and may feel it’s the best time to get a new companion, such as a dog or cat. On the other, this whole quarantine thing will be over eventually (hopefully soon) and you don’t want to leave your new best friend home alone when you have to go back to work, school and extracurriculars.
If that describes you, then it might be a good idea to think about fostering a pet. It’s fulfilling and most importantly, it isn’t permanent. For those who are already thinking of fostering, here are some do’s and some don’ts for fostering a furry friend.
Use a harness
Many rescue dogs have very likely spent some time on the streets or with neglectful owners, so they’re unlikely to have much training on a leash. Collars can choke fast walkers and some dogs can get over excited or scared and slip out of them. Harnesses eliminate both of these problems. Harnesses from Walmart run as low as $7 and should you foster in the future, you might be able to reuse it on another dog.
Don’t wait to crate train
Crate training, sometimes known as kennel training, is essential for many fosters. Many animal rescues recommend or require it and will usually provide a kennel in the size that you’ll need, if you don’t already have one. Crate training at night, as well as during the day when you need to leave the house, can prevent any destructive tendencies from anxious dogs, and can stop accidents from dogs who aren’t fully house trained. Getting them used to a crate will also be useful for transport and will give them their own space that they can go to when they feel overwhelmed and panicked.
Introduce your own pets
If you’re thinking of fostering and you already have your own furry best friend at home, you’ll need to introduce your pets. Before you take them to meet any potential foster, make sure you get them up to date on their shots. Give the foster time and space to greet and explore your animal at their own pace, and keep in mind that females with similar dominance levels may clash. Stay calm and collected when you introduce them. They’ll feed off your energy and if they feel that you’re on edge, they will be too.
Don’t forget your 3’s
It takes three days for a shelter animal to adjust to the new environment. It takes three weeks for them to begin coming out of their shells and showing their personalities. And lastly, it takes three months for a four-legged friend to feel fully comfortable and safe in their new home.
The dog you bring home from the shelter may be shy, timid, and fearful. But over time, as they start to realize that you are a friend who feeds them and takes them outside and gives them belly scratches, they will start to show their true colors. That scrawny, scared cat that first stepped foot in your home may transform into a bundle of energy and affection, providing you with endless entertainment while you help them on the way to their forever home.
The bridge between death row and a forever home is something many rescues depend on. And what a better time to be that bridge than when you’re stuck at home. Hopefully if you were on the fence about fostering, this list of do’s and don’ts gave you an idea of what to expect so you can make the best decision for yourself and all of the furry friends in the world.
