It’s National Foster a Pet Month! If you’ve been considering adding a second furry companion to your household, now is the perfect month to do so. However, before you apply to be a pet foster parent, there are some things you should consider first, such as whether your current pet with accept a second one. Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself first before fostering.
Question: Will my current pet accept a new pet?
Answer: Although you may love the thought of adding more pets, your current pet may not feel the same way. If your cat or dog is not a fan of other animals, fostering a pet may cause too much household discord.
Q: Do I have time to take care of an additional pet?
A: Foster pets can require a great deal of care and attention before they find their forever home. Some foster pets are not placed on an adoptable-pet list because they have medical issues that need treatment first, or they may require training, socialization, or rehabilitation to become fit for a new family. Puppies and kittens naturally require more care than adult pets, and senior pets can also demand large amounts of your time. Ensure you understand your foster pet’s needs before committing to their care.
Q: Can I foster a pet without becoming attached?
A: One of the hardest parts of fostering pets is resisting falling in love. You can so easily become attached to a pet whom you have loved and cared for, and you may wind up with a house full of “foster failures.” That may be fine for your situation, but many families cannot foster unlimited pets, so knowing how to prevent yourself from becoming attached to your foster pet may be necessary.
Think you’re still in a good position to foster a second pet? Great! The team at Oakland Animal Hospital would love to meet your new fur baby. But before you start the application process to become a pet parent, ensure your current pet is up to date on vaccinations and parasite preventives to avoid potential disease and parasite transmission. Contact our team for an appointment for your pet.