Have you been considering adding a second furry companion to your household lately? June is National Foster a Pet Month, so if you’ve been considering fostering a pet, ask yourself the following questions before applying to be a pet foster parent.

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.

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: Can I foster a pet without becoming attached?

A: One of the most complex 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.

If you think you still want to open up your home to foster a second pet, ensure your current pet is up to date on their vaccinations and parasite preventives to avoid potential disease and parasite transmission. Our team at Paws of Pleasanton Animal Hospital would be happy to welcome your new furry friend when you bring your current pet in for their vaccinations.