Must-Know Tips for Fostering a Pet

Fostering a pet for the first time is exciting, rewarding—and yes, a little bit nerve-wracking. Whether you’re bringing home a curious kitten or a shy senior dog, this quick guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you start your foster journey with confidence. 

Quick Tips for Your Foster Journey 

Deciding to foster a pet is a huge win! Rest assured, you’ll make a lifesaving difference for pets in need! From here on out, it’s just a bunch of little steps (and probably a few tail wags or purrs along the way). 

Keep these tips and tricks in mind on your journey: 

• Be clear with your rescue or shelter about what you’re comfortable with. Big dog? Tiny kitten? Chill senior cat? Stay open-minded until you find the right match. 

• Ask lots of questions both up front and throughout your foster journey—it helps set everyone up for success. 

• It might not be perfect from day one—and that’s totally okay! Everyone needs a little time to settle in, so go easy on yourself (and your foster). 

• Busy, loving foster homes (yes, even the hectic ones!) help pets adjust to real-life environments—just like the homes they’ll be adopted into. 

• You’ll learn as you go, and yep, you’ll keep getting better at it each time! 

Here for a Fun Time, Not a Long Time 

A foster pet’s length of stay can vary based on their age, health, and how quickly pets are getting adopted in your part of the country. 

Chat with the foster program manager at your shelter or rescue to figure out what works best for both you and the pet. Some pets just need a quick place to crash before transport, while others might stick around a bit longer. 

Puppies and kittens? They usually get scooped up fast. Larger dogs, senior pets, or those working through behavioral challenges might take more time. 

And if you’re fostering bottle babies, expect their stay to be around eight weeks while they grow, thrive, and get ready for their spay or neuter appointment. 

Welcoming Your First Foster 

Fostering a pet isn’t just a good deed—it’s a feel-good adventure! Not only are you giving a pet in need love and comfort, but you’re also making room in your local shelter for the next animal who needs a shot at a better life. 

As you get ready to welcome your first foster pet into your home, consider the following: 

• Connect with the program manager at your shelter or rescue organization to determine the best environment for your incoming foster. 

• If possible, provide your foster pet with their own dedicated room to help them settle in. 

• Remember, your foster is now in a new space with new people, give them a few days to decompress, adjust, and explore their new surroundings at their own pace. 

• Remember to keep your resident pets and new foster separated at first to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable. 

• Keep mealtimes and sleeping arrangements separate for all pets until they’re comfortable together. 

Fostering Changes Lives—Yours Included  

No matter how packed your schedule is, there’s a foster setup out there with your name on it—seriously, there's a match for just about everyone. 

If you’re an animal lover who hasn’t fostered yet, now’s the perfect time to jump in. One foster pet can completely change your life—you never know what kind of love, laughter, and surprise zoomies they’ll bring your way! 

Soak it all in. Every snuggle, every silly moment, every small victory. And remember, you’re making a lifesaving difference, one fluffy friend at a time! 

Petco Love recognizes June as National Foster a Pet Month to help save the lives of shelter pets across the country. However, fostering is needed year-round. Reach out to your local shelter or rescue at any time of the year to make a difference for pets in your community. 

Already foster? Help us inspire others to foster by sharing your favorite foster date activities on social and tagging @petcolove.