The Heartwarming World of Pet Fostering: A Conversation with Jen

Did you know that over 70% of the pets you see listed on PetRescue each day are actually in foster care, not shelters? PetRescue supports over a thousand rescue groups, shelters and councils, many of which depend greatly on the generosity of pet lovers who open their homes to these pets, providing them with a temporary home until they find their new families.

Fostering is an essential and life-saving service, and the rescue community is in urgent need of more people who adore pets to consider fostering. 

We chatted with Jen, a PetRescue Donor and Foster Superhero, about her fostering experience and the importance of supporting pets throughout their journey to their new, loving home.

Hi Jen! How long have you been fostering, what made you decide to do it?

I’ve been fostering cats and kittens for two years now. I live on my own and have two cats Millie and Mabel, who I adopted through a rescue organisation Little Paws three years ago. I kept in touch with the lady who fostered Millie and Mabel and heard how she had been fostering, and that made me interested in fostering myself. On top of that, seeing how many cats and kittens are desperate for homes, I just wanted to be able to help in some small way. 

The first fostering I did I looked after 4 x10 week old kittens! That was being thrown in the deep end haha. But I loved it. It wasn’t easy at times though, that’s a lot of litter and feeding and attention to give to six cats at one time! But it was a perfect time in my life when it gave me such a purpose, and I got so much love in return. I have fostered 8 cats/kittens so far, and currently have two in my care. 

Why is fostering pets so important?

Fostering is so, so important! For so many reasons. I wish more people would foster. I hear so many people say, it’s too hard, I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t say goodbye to them. You need to know that you are doing something incredible and amazing by fostering. Of course, the first reason to foster is you are saving an innocent pet's life. As humans, we have a responsibility to protect animals as they don’t have their own voice. And there are just so many pets that need homes. If people can foster even once, they are helping to make a difference. And even if it’s hard at times, it’s always worth it. Fostering helps take the pressure off rescue organisations who are out there tirelessly saving pets from being euthanised unnecessarily, freeing them up to save more lives.  

What’s the best part of being a foster hero?

The fun and joy of it all. The love, cuddles and affection. The purpose it gives you in life. The way you see their faces when you come home or wake up. You are their world, and you have saved their lives! 

Minnie looking for a home via Cartmills Animal Rescue

What are some of the challenges you face as a foster carer?

I think it’s the time you need to put into fostering. These animals need love, care and attention. But at the same time, don’t overcomplicate it by overthinking it. Having a foster home is far better than being stuck in a pound or being put down, so by providing a safe home, you are already helping.

You need to remember this will pass and soon you will see them change into confident loving pets who need you, and realise there will be hard days. I’ve felt overwhelmed at times! My house does get dirty, and there’s always cleaning the litter trays, that feels like it never ends some days haha! I sometimes have moments where I think I can’t do this, but it rarely lasts long. The love you get outweighs the challenges.

Any tips you have for people thinking about foster care?

The rescue organisation will help you as much or as little as you need. You just need to ask. The biggest thing is if you love pets you will be fine. And talk to other foster parents! And just take it a day at a time, especially at the beginning.

Is there anything you wish you had known before you started fostering that would be helpful advice for a new foster carer?

There will be moments you might feel overwhelmed, maybe thinking you haven’t done the right thing. Possibly, you need to prepare for the time it will take to settle a pet into your home. Also, you will often end up loving them as if they are your own, and you will get attached to them even if you don’t intend to. And you may have them for longer than you thought. I have had fosters stay up to 12 months, so you need to be prepared for that. 

Minnie looking for a home via Cartmills Animal Rescue

How do you cope with saying goodbye to your foster pets when they find their new families?

This is not easy! Especially the longer they stay with you, the harder it is to say goodbye. I won’t lie; I have cried watching them go! What keeps me going and how I cope is having a good relationship with the rescue organisation and the new owners if possible. Knowing that they are going to people who want them and who are going to give them love for the rest of their lives takes away the sadness. It passes quickly, especially if you are busy caring for other animals. I go cuddle my cats after every goodbye.

Do you get to help Cartmills Animal Rescue find the right family for the pets you care for?

Yes, they allow me to speak to the potential new owners so I can answer any questions they might have and also get a feel that it’s the right home for my fosters. 

What do you look for in an adopter?

Love and a safe home. And I would also like to know what it was about the pets that attracted them to my fosters. I hope that the profile I write helps!   

If you’re ready to start your search for a foster pet, Go to PetRescue.com.au, select Dogs, Cats or Other Pets, select your state and any other relevant filters, then select ‘Pets looking for foster care’ in the advanced search options. If you find a pet you’d like to enquire about and offer your services as a foster carer, click the ‘Enquire about this pet’ button on the pet’s profile or contact the group using the contact details listed on the profile page.

Alternatively, you can use our Foster Care Directory to see the rescue groups in your state that need foster carers. 

If you have any further questions, please email info@petrescue.org.au

Banner image credit: Minnie looking for a home via Cartmills Animal Rescue.