What is a Foster Home?

Much like a rescuer, a foster home helps pets in need of a home. A foster person provides a real home for a pet until the perfect permanent home can be found. In fact, many rescue organizations rely on foster people to help them care for the numerous pets they care for each year.

Foster people are people much like your parents, teachers and other adults you know. You may even know people who care for animals. These are people with 9 to 5 jobs, who decide to give their free time, money and homes to help homeless animals throughout the city.

Foster homes are called upon whenever there is a pet in need. Currently there are many, many pets being cared for by foster homes. One of the nice things about being a foster home is the opportunity to care for as many or as few animals as your time and space allows.

Also, foster homes take periodic breaks to renew their energy after finding a home for a pet in their care.

So what is a day in the life of a rescuer or a foster home:

	Cleaning litter boxes, kennels or yards.
	Medicating all pets who are not well
	Feeding and watering all pets
	Going to work
	Coming home
	Feeding and watering all pets
	Medicating all pets in need of a second dose
	Playing with the pets. Kittens and puppies needs lots of human play. Dogs and cats who have not been around people, need to become accustomed to human play and love. Abused dogs and cats need to learn that only some people are bad, others can be very warm, loving and helpful.
	Helping rescuers with their needs and answering questions about the pets in their care. A foster home has special knowledge of a particular pets needs, likes and dislikes.

This tough job is definitely not for everyone. It is long hours with few thank you's. However, there are lots of warm noses and wet, slobbery kisses, not to mention the numerous purrs. Austin pets will be forever grateful to these loving individuals who give them a second chance at a happy life.