Fostering saves lives

For many animals, the rescue journey has multiple stops. Vet clinics, adoption events, meetings with potential new families, possibly extensive physical or behavioral treatment and rehabilitation. But regardless of the specific combination of care and support they receive, every rescued pup and kitty needs a place to stay until they are adopted.

Shelters can be great. Some organizations maintain wonderful, clean, comfortable shelter facilities, with on-site vet care and plenty of volunteers who socialize the animals and keep them company. Right now my Mom volunteers at a place like that, PAWS. Unfortunately, plenty of shelters are far from wonderful. For lack of funding, poor management, or a number of other reasons, shelters can be sad, cold, terrifying places with no comfort and the almost-immediate danger of euthanization. (And yes, some of the methods shelters even in the US use to euthanize on average 5,500 animals every day are horrific - gas chambers, 'heart stick', etc). In places around the world with poor animal welfare infrastructure, shelters can be even worse (yes, worse things are possible). Animals are kept in tiny cells, sometimes with no light, no sanitation, no walls, minimal food, no vet care... You can only imagine the combination of horrors an animal may experience at a shelter. Indeed, sometimes it is much better for the animal to be homeless than to be housed in the shelter of hell.

Foster homes present a fabulous, loving alternative to shelters. When an animal is fostered, he/ she lives in an actual home, often around other pets, with all the comforts of indoor living and much love. Animals in foster care also have significantly more interactions with humans than those at shelters. This allows them the opportunity to learn basic manners, potty training, to socialize, to experience human kindness and begin trusting people. Animals with specific medical needs often have a foster home as their only option for survival since they need care which many shelters can't accommodate.

In the countries with which AAI works, foster homes are a key part of the rescue network. People from those countries are often not as well-off financially so it is hard for them to donate money to animal rescue. But a number of wonderful individuals open up their homes and take in animals in need of a temporary place to stay. Sadly, the need for foster homes is still greater than the supply. But with time and education, our hope is that more people will consider letting a pup or kitty into their home.

Have you considered being a foster parent? Do you want to be around animals but are not ready to make the commitment of adopting a pup or kitty? Fostering may be perfect for you! The rescue organizations provide food, vet care, supplies, and tons of emotional and practical support to foster parents. You are never ever alone in the foster experience. Fostering is tax deductible. And above all, fostering saves lives!!!