Woody and I are preparing to welcome our third foster dog into our home. We’ve experienced so many benefits to fostering dogs so far and thought we’d share with you some of our favourites.
I’ve wanted to foster dogs for a while, ever since I adopted Woody in 2017. I adopted him privately from a local family, however it ignited my passion for supporting rescue dogs as much as possible. It’s been such a rewarding experience so far and I’ve definitely caught the fostering bug!
It’s a Low Cost Way of Owning a Dog
Woody used to live with two other dogs, as well a few cats. I’m allergic to cats, so a feline friend is out of the question! However I’ve always liked the idea of finding him another canine companion.
Owning a dog, let alone two, can be pricey. At the moment, I’m not ready for the long term financial commitment but fostering dogs provides a happy medium. Woody and I still benefit from having another set of paws around the house, without having to worry about vet fees, vaccinations or other costs. Of course, it’s always hard saying goodbye but when the time’s right there’s always the opportunity to fail foster*!
*Fail fostering is where the fosterer adopts the dog they’re fostering. Certain dogs touch your heart so much; it’s impossible to let them go. Fail fostering is always a happy occasion and many fail fosterers continue to foster even more dogs!
Fostering is Flexible
Dogs are a big commitment, there’s no hiding from that. Once you welcome one into your home, they’re your responsibility for the rest of their life (which could be over 15 years depending on your dog’s breed and the age you adopted/bought them.) Choosing to get a dog should never be on a whim, there are too many rescue dogs looking for new homes as a result of impulse purchases. Fostering is a great way to test out whether you’re ready for the commitment.
Not only is fostering a great way to trial owning a dog of your own, you can also tailor it to your existing lifestyle. I choose to foster dogs back to back, it’s what I prefer and to be honest I can’t resist! However, many fosterers take breaks between dogs, plan holidays around fostering or even fit it in around more intense periods of work.
You’re Fully Supported Throughout
The support I’ve received while fostering dogs has been incredible. There is someone on hand to answer all of my questions and worries – even the silly ones! I’ve had 24/7 access to support, including a network of trained behaviourists, admins and more experienced owners and I’m so grateful!
Of course, I can only speak from my experience with Spaniel Aid UK but I’m sure other charities operate in a similar vein.
This support is definitely one of my favourite benefits of fostering dogs. I’ve never experienced anything like it before. Not only is the professional support fantastic but the network of other fosterers I have come to know are equally as valuable. I’ve definitely become a more confident dog owner, to both Woody and our other dogs thanks to fostering.
You’re Keeping Dogs Out of Kennels
Traditional rescue centres aren’t necessarily the best option for all dogs. Being kept in noisy kennels alongside other dogs can do more harm than good. Fostering is a great way of helping keep dogs out of rescue centres or kennels, especially for dogs that struggle to cope in these high intensity environments. It also frees up space for organisations to continue their vital work and helping as many dogs as possible.
Spaniels are people dogs. They like to follow their humans everywhere they go. Personal space isn’t an option – I should know because our second foster Storm used to follow me absolutely everywhere, including the bathroom! Separation anxiety is common among spaniels, as well as other dogs that like to be their owners’ ‘shadow.’ In rescue centres, spaniels can become nervous or reserved, which makes them less likely to be adopted by visitors. Fostering however, is often one to one. The dogs are given time and space to flourish and show their true colours and quirky characters!
What benefits of fostering dogs have you experienced?
