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Fostering a rescue dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it often comes with its fair share of misconceptions that can deter potential foster families.
Let's take a closer look at some common myths surrounding fostering rescue dogs and uncover the truths behind them.
Myth 1: "Fostering is just like adopting."
Truth: Fostering and adopting are distinct commitments. Fostering provides a temporary home for a dog until they find a permanent home. It's a chance to help the dog transition and learn more about their personality, which aids in finding the best-suited forever home.
Myth 2: "All rescue dogs have behavioural issues."
Truth: While some rescue dogs may have challenges due to past experiences, many are well-adjusted and loving animals. Foster organizations often assess dogs' temperaments, making sure they are a good fit for foster homes.
Myth 3: "Fostering requires extensive training."
Truth: While a basic understanding of dog behaviour helps, most foster organizations, like Bark at the Moon Animal Rescue (BATM), offer guidance, training resources, and support. Fostering is a learning experience that can enhance your understanding of dog care. At BATM, we have many first-time dog owners as foster parents.
Myth 4: "It's too expensive to foster."
Truth: Many rescue organizations cover medical expenses and provide essentials like food and supplies. Fostering families can provide a safe space and love without incurring substantial costs.
Myth 5: "I won't be able to let go."
Truth: Saying goodbye is undoubtedly emotional, but seeing a foster dog thrive in their forever home is incredibly gratifying. Remember, your role enables you to help more dogs in need.
Myth 6: "I need a big house and yard to foster."
Truth: While space is beneficial, many dogs adapt well to apartment living or smaller homes, provided they receive adequate exercise and care. Many of these dogs come from overcrowded shelters with very little of their own space so while an apartment may seem small at first, it’s still quite a large space that they may only have to share with their foster humans and pets.
Myth 7: "Foster dogs are always sick."
Truth: Rescue organizations usually ensure dogs are healthy before placing them in foster homes. Regular vet check-ups and preventive treatments are standard practices. We rarely receive animals at BATM that have zero vetting and when we do we prepare our foster homes with the tools necessary to keep everyone in the home safe.
Fostering a rescue dog can make a profound impact on both the animal and the foster family. By dispelling these myths, more people can confidently embark on this fulfilling journey, providing temporary homes that transform lives and contribute to the greater good of animal welfare. When you foster an animal you are actually saving 2 animals - the one you foster and the one that is able to be rescued and have a spot at the shelter your foster animal came from.
If you're interested in becoming a foster for BATM - Apply today!
