Animal rescue societies rely on volunteer foster pet parents to care for animals while they wait for their forever home. It frees up very valuable shelter space and other resources that the shelter can use to house and care for more animals. If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent for a shelter pet, then there are a few things it can help to know first.

1. It’s a Very Rewarding Experience

Fostering an animal gives you the satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to the rehoming of an animal who deserves the chance to have a happy life. You may even ultimately be saving the life of the animal or of another animal that now has space in the shelter because you opened up your home. Without volunteer foster parents, rescue organizations would not be able to do what they do.

2. It Comes with Some Important Responsibilities

Rewarding experiences typically involve responsibility and effort, and fostering is no different. You will have to provide for the foster pet’s needs, like making sure they have proper shelter and food. Foster dogs also need to be exercised, given basic obedience training, and possibly housetrained. For foster cats, you’ll have to regularly clean the litter box and provide plenty of scratching posts.

3. It Helps Pets Become More Adoptable

Pets that have experience living inside a home are far more adoptable, especially if you can tell potential adopters that a dog is housetrained or a cat knows not to scratch up the furniture. You can also provide the shelter with information about the animal’s personality, which can help them find the best possible family match.

4. You’ll Be Provided with the Basics

Fostering is a time commitment, but it is typically not a monetary one. All you need is a welcoming home–most rescue organizations aim to provide you with everything else for the animal’s care, including food, collars, leashes, bowls, litter boxes, litter, and other supplies. The animal’s medical care is also completely covered, allowing you to focus on giving your foster love and training.

5. You Can Foster Even If You Already Have Pets

Fostering is an option even if you already have pets at home. Learning to get along with other animals is an essential social skill for cats and dogs to have, and it is just another factor that can make them more adoptable. Of course, your new foster may not get along with your pets, which is crucial information as well. That is also why it is important that each animal can have their own space.

6. Expect to Get Attached

It’s completely normal to get attached to your foster pet and to have a difficult time saying goodbye, but it will be much easier when you know you are sending them off to a good home and opening a space in your home for another animal. Of course, you can always apply to adopt your foster if you think it is the right choice for you, as long as another application isn’t already pending.

There is a lot to consider before deciding to foster an animal, but being fully informed will help you make the right choice. If you do decide to go for it, it’s sure to be a great experience.