How to Foster Animals

Foster parents provide temporary homes for animals with nowhere else to go. Still, over 10 million kittens, puppies, horses, ferrets, lizards, and birds have to be euthanized each year. You can make a difference and save lives. Here's how to foster animals in your own home:

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide how much time you can dedicate to your foster animals. Certain ones require special treatment. Injured, traumatized, and newborn animals especially need constant attention. While some animals will only need to be fostered for a few days, others will need care for many months.

2. Create a special area for your foster animals. In case of behavioral problems or health concerns, they should be kept away from your permanent pets; foster animals should adjust to the family before being exposed to other animals. Set time aside to care for the foster animal separately.

3. When you're ready to start fostering, head to the pet rescue website http://www.pets911.com/services/foster/fostering_orgs.php and type in your zip code. It will help you find local rescue shelters. Decide which one you would like to volunteer for; they'll be happy to have a new animal foster parent!

Tips & Warnings

• Get all supplies beforehand (e.g., food, litter, formula, toys, potty pads).
• Keep emergency contact information of the rescue shelter and veterinarian.

Resources

• Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul
• How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas
• The Volunteer Revolution: Unleashing the Power of Everybody
• Volunteer: A Traveler's Guide to Making a Difference Around the World

[Upon-Request]

on 6/14/2009 Foster parents for animals are very special people - and in great demand!

[princessg]

on 6/14/2009 What a wonderful thing to do:)