Stressful shelter environments can cause anxiety

By Beth Leermakers

Fostering saves lives. Rescue groups cannot pull animals from crowded shelters without fosters willing to care for them. Boarding is expensive and not a good long-term option. 

“I could never foster. It would be too hard to let them go.” I often hear this when I tell people I foster dogs. Yes, I feel sad when I say goodbye to a dog I adore. But I feel worse knowing a wonderful animal was euthanized because no one stepped up to care for her. 

Fostering isn’t easy, but it’s very rewarding. I love watching a scared, skinny dog become confident and healthy. And seeing the joy my foster brings her new family is priceless. In hopes of convincing people to try fostering, I’ll answer a few common questions. 

How long will I have my foster cat or dog? That depends on the type of fostering you choose: 

Foster until adopted. Some animals are adopted within a few days or weeks, while others take months to find their new home. Check out White Rock Dog Rescue (www.whiterockdog.org), Ace’s Place All Dog Rescue (www.acesplacerescue.org), A Voice for All Paws (www.avoiceforallpaws.com; cats) and Mike’s Chance Animal Rescue (www.mikeschanceanimalrescue.com, dogs and cats). 

Temporary fostering. Shelters and rescue groups often need short-term foster parents (usually for a few days to a few weeks). This is an ideal way to try fostering — and a good option for people who travel frequently or worry about becoming too attached to their charge. 

• Transport fostering. Care for the dog or cat until she travels to a rescue group in another area. You may have the animal for a few days, weeks, or (if they need to be heartworm treated) 2-3 months. Passport for Paws (www.passportforpaws.org) and Saltwater Souls Dog Rescue (on Facebook; saltwatersoulsdogrescue@gmail.com) need DFW-area foster homes until transport to northern rescues. 

• Shelter relief. Give long-term shelter residents a short break — and open kennels when the shelter is full (and dogs are in danger of being euthanized for space). Dallas Animal Services (https://bedallas90.org/foster/) and the Garland Animal Shelter (https://www.garlandtx.gov/4293/Foster-Program) have foster programs. 

• Puppies or kittens. Keep the little ones out of the shelter (and away from germs) until they are old enough to be adopted. 

• Vacation coverage. Care for an animal while the regular foster parent is on vacation. Boarding is expensive and often not available during holidays. 

What do I need to 

foster an animal?

Although it’s not always necessary, it helps to have a room (spare bedroom, bathroom or utility room) where you can isolate a new foster pet from your personal animals. This is important to protect your cat or dog from contagious illnesses and give the foster animal a quiet place to decompress from the stressful shelter environment. 

I highly recommend using a crate to protect foster dogs — and your shoes and furniture. The crate must be big enough for the dog to stand up, turn around, and stretch out when lying down. I use 42-inch wire crates for my 50-60 lb. foster dogs. Some shelters and rescue groups can loan you a crate. You may be able to buy a used crate (I see them on NextDoor) or find one at the curb during big trash pickup week. Hollywood Feed sells sturdy wire crates at a reasonable price, and I’ve seen them at Marshalls, Ross, etc. 

What does the shelter or 

rescue group provide/cover?

Shelters and rescue groups should cover all veterinary care (vaccinations, heartworm prevention and treatment for illness/injury/heartworm disease). Some rescue groups don’t provide flea prevention, but you can purchase that online (sometimes without a prescription; I use www.canadavet.com). In my experience, fostering is rarely free, but some rescue groups provide most or all supplies you need. Many rescue groups (and some shelters) provide food, and some groups will give (or loan) you treats, toys, beds and crates.  

I live in an apartment. Can I still foster? 

Yes, if your apartment complex allows pets. Fostering an active young dog may not be the best idea (unless it’s for just a few days), but cats or older/less energetic dogs are often suitable for apartment living. If your foster dog needs to run, you can rent a fenced yard through Sniffspot (free app). 

How do I introduce a foster to my own pets?

I recommend keeping your foster cat or dog separate from your pets for at least a week. To introduce dogs, start with a “parallel leash walk.” Walk two dogs together (with one person holding each leashed dog), starting on opposite sides of the street and gradually moving closer. Don’t let them touch at first. When you see relaxed, happy body language (no hackles or growling, tail not high or tucked), you can let them sniff each other. 

After the dogs are comfortable walking together (it may take a few walks), let them interact in your fenced yard. Leave the leashes on in case you need to separate them. 

I’d be happy to answer any other questions you have about fostering. My email is bethleerwork@gmail.com.