The Importance of Fostering Rescue Pups!

Aside from volunteering at your local shelter, there is another option that may be perfect for those who want to try out the pup lifestyle before signing up for a life-long commitment. If you’re unfamiliar with fostering a dog, it’s simple –  you bring a rescue pup home, give them as much love, affection and socialization you can until your temporary roommate is placed with their forever family. Sit back, sip your Grounds & Hounds coffee, and let our rescue expert friends from Los Angeles based rescue, Wags & Walks tell you about the numerous benefits that fostering a pup can bring.

1). It Makes Us Happy

There is nothing quite like taking a pup out of the shelter and giving them the love and kindness they deserve. Imagine how good you’d feel knowing that a pup would not have been able to be saved if you hadn’t come along.

2). Builds Community

Like many volunteer opportunities, you become a part of a community. Your fellow foster moms and dads can help in walking you through the process, answer any and all questions you may have as a new foster and in the end, may even become your friends. It’s a wonderful feeling to involve yourself with others who have similar passions.

3). Helps the Shelter!

Fostering a pup frees up space in the shelter for more animals at risk of euthanasia to be brought into the shelter. When a pup is in foster care, it ultimately helps the shelter learn what the dog is like in a home environment – do they snuggle? Do they know how to sit? Are they potty-trained? This information can help the shelter more quickly find the pup a home.

4). Builds Stronger Family Bonds

If you’re a growing family, a foster pup might be the perfect fit for you to see how the dog interacts with children and if it’s the right choice for your “pack.” Pups who spend time with kids and teenagers have a stronger chance of getting adopted as this increases their socialization as well.

5). Change The Dog’s Life

Often, rescues do not have a centralized facility and rely completely on foster homes for their pups. When you take in a foster, you are helping the pup adjust, become more socialized and ultimately aid in helping him or her find their forever home. Bottom line: fosters are lifesavers.

If you’re thinking about fostering, give it a try. It’s hard to meet someone who has fostered and hasn’t done it again!