What You Need for Temporary Foster Care 🧡 🐾

What temporary foster care means and why it matters

Temporary foster care is when a person or family temporarily hosts an animal that cannot yet live in a permanent home. Fosters reduce shelter crowding, help animals learn home routines, and increase their chances of finding a forever home.

Before the animal arrives: talk and prepare

• Agree on the expected duration and any adoption plans.
• Ask about the animal’s temperament: fears, triggers, interaction with people and pets.
• Confirm feeding schedule, exercise needs, and preferred routines.
• Clarify medical history: vaccinations, ongoing medications, allergies, recent illnesses.

Essentials to prepare at home

• A comfortable sleeping spot: a washable bed, blanket or mat.
• Food and water bowls; try to use the same food the animal is used to.
• Litter tray and litter for cats, or waste bags and a walking plan for dogs.
• Collar with ID, leash, and a carrier if needed.
• A few toys and safe chews to reduce stress.
• A basic first-aid kit and a written list of emergency contacts including a vet.

Safety and comfort

Create a quiet area where the animal can retreat. Remove hazardous items (wires, small objects, toxic plants). If you have children or other pets, set clear rules and supervise interactions.

The first 24–72 hours: helping them settle

• Give the animal time to explore. Avoid overwhelming them with attention; offer gentle, calm interactions.
• Keep feeding and walking schedules consistent to provide a sense of security.
• Monitor appetite, stool, and general behaviour. Contact a vet if you notice concerning signs.

Communicating with the owner or foster coordinator

Send regular updates about eating, toilet habits, walks, and mood. Photos are helpful. Be honest about any difficulties so the coordinator can support you.

Introducing to other pets

Introduce animals gradually: start with barriers or scents, then short supervised visits in neutral areas. Look for stress signals and stop if tensions rise.

Responsibilities and practicalities

Understand who covers veterinary care and unexpected costs. It’s useful to have written confirmation of arrangements to avoid misunderstandings.

Ending the foster period

Prepare the animal for the transition back or to a new home: pack familiar items, share notes about personality and care, and keep routines as consistent as possible.

Fostering is a generous, hands-on way to help animals. You don’t need special experience—careful preparation, patience and communication make a foster stay successful. If you can host, your support creates a safer, kinder path for an animal in need.