Do you think your current furry friend will be happier to have a second companion to play and sleep with? June is National Foster a Pet Month, so you may consider fostering a second pet to keep your current one company. However, before you add a new companion to your household, ask yourself the following questions before applying to be a pet foster parent.
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.
If you feel you’re ready to foster a second pet even after asking yourself the questions above, then there’s one last thing for you to do. Before opening your home to a foster pet, ensure your current pet is up to date on vaccinations and parasite preventives to avoid potential disease and parasite transmission. Contact our team at Lincoln Park or Rogers Park for an appointment for your pet.