One question lots of foster parents face before starting their journey is, ‘I want to foster children, but what about my pets? Are there any rules when fostering with pets?’ We completely understand that… our fluffy friends are part of the family!

Good news!
Most people can foster and have pets, and having a pet does not automatically rule you out. We have approved loads of families with pets! If you reach the assessment stage of the fostering application, someone will come to your house and conduct a ‘Pet Assessment’.

 

What is a Pet Assessment When Fostering with Pets?

During a pet assessment, an assessor will visit your home to make sure your pet is friendly and that they’ll be okay to live with children. We have to do this to make sure everyone (including those with four legs) is happy and safe.
They will look at things such as:

  • The number of pets in the home
  • The pet’s temperament/behaviour/obedience
  • The environment they live in and whether it is clean
  • How the pet reacts to strangers

To help during the Pet Assessment, it is good if you can provide the assessor with any additional information they might need. Things like:

  • Have they ever met children before?
  • What is the daily routine with the pet like?
  • Do they have any history of aggression?
  • Are their vaccinations up to date?

 

Is Fostering With Pets a Good Idea?

Provided your pet passes the Pet Assessment, having a pet in the home can be a huge benefit when fostering. Some of the benefits include:

  • Companionship – Pets can become a comfort for a foster child, offering emotional support and helping with feelings of anxiety or stress. Unlike relationships with people, there is no pressure to talk, explain feelings, or “get it right” leading to a companionship with no further expectations.
  • Responsibility – Pets can give children a bit of responsibility, whether that involves giving them their breakfast, holding their lead on a walk, or helping with cage cleaning.
  • Emotional Benefits – Children can understand when pets are feeling excited, scared or content. Pets don’t rely on complex facial expressions in the same way humans do, so they’re often easier to read and understand. Snuggling up and stroking a furry friend can also have great emotional benefits for children, helping them to feel calm and regulated.

Things to Consider When Fostering With Pets

Whilst there are a huge number of benefits to having pets in the home, there are a few things that you must consider before fostering with pets.

  • Unfortunately, some children have had bad experiences with animals, so they can be quite frightened, especially around bigger, unfamiliar animals.
  • Some children do have allergies (this is not something you need to worry too much about; a child with allergies simply won’t be matched to your family if you have a pet they’ll be allergic to).
  • As well as the children, you must also think about the pet. Some pets struggle with change, so they may need to be introduced carefully and slowly at first.

Many children have already grown up around pets and may find comfort in the familiar presence of an animal. Having a dog, cat, or any other animal doesn’t make your home less suitable for fostering. We have seen many cases where they make homes warmer and more welcoming. What matters most isn’t whether your house is pet-free, but whether it is loving and safe for everyone.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent with Flourish Fostering, get in touch today.