If you are considering getting a pet, a foster program could be a great way to find out if your life style is suitable for one. A few weeks of your time could mean a lifetime for a pet.
One way to find out if a dog or cat will be perfect in your life is to foster a pet from a shelter for a few weeks. Most shelters always need foster parents.
A foster program is designed to care for cats and dogs that do not initially meet adoption criteria. At the end of a foster care period, the animal is placed for adoption. Most of these animals need special care for awhile. It could be a dog that is heartworm positive or a cat has kittens.
Foster periods vary in length, depending on the animal's condition and treatment. Most shelters will provide food, medical treatments and all the medications required for each foster animal. What a great way to find out how a pet fits into your daily activities.
You should not be discouraged because these animals have medical conditions. That is also part of taking care of a pet. If you adopt or purchase a pet, it might become ill one day, so you will know the importance and commitment coming your way if you decide to get a pet.
If you interested in foster care and already have a pet, you need to know if it is up-to-date on vaccinations..
All members of your household must fully understand the responsibilities associated with fostering an animal.
Please give a shelter dog or cat a chance by fostering. You will have done a great thing and been helped to decide if you can take care of a pet for 10 to 15 years.
Who knows, you might end up keeping the pet.
To find out more about a pet foster program, contact the Peggy Adams Rescue League at (561) 686-3663.
Birgit Edler is the owner of Canine College in Juno Beach, which offers grooming, training and day care services for dogs and cats. Call (561) 626-0552 or e-mail Caninecollegefl@yahoo.com.