National Foster a Pet Month is here! You might be tempted to add another furry friend to your family, but are you ready to do so? Before you do, ask yourself these questions and see if fostering is the right fit for you.
Q: Can I foster a pet without becoming attached?
A: One of the most challenging parts of fostering pets is resisting falling in love. You can so quickly 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.
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 finding 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.
Ready to foster a pet? Before you do so, make sure your current pet is fully vaccinated to prevent disease and parasite transmissions! Contact our team at Animal Clinic Inc. of Chattanooga and schedule your pet’s appointment today!