Fosters are so critical to the work of animal rescue organizations and shelters because they provide homeless pets with more personalized care and a welcome reprieve from the shelter environment. A new study funded by Purina, however, reveals that the benefits of fostering cut both ways, and that shelter pets give back substantially to their caregivers in the form of affection, companionship, and emotional support.
The study was led by Lauren Powell, MD, a researcher and lecturer of Animal Welfare and Behavior located at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Researchers recruited 131 foster caregivers from five shelters across the United States and tasked them to answer three online surveys between March 2022 and March 2023. These surveys corresponded with different stages in their fostering journey: prior to fostering, 10 days following the first survey, and after the foster animal had left the respondent’s home.
According to a report from DVM360, while fostering did not have a statistically significant effect on the mental well-being of participants, many asserted that they felt an overall uptick in their quality of life and noted the presence of their foster pets as a major contributor to this feeling. The study also found that participants experienced low levels of anxious or avoidant attachment to the animals, and most adapted well following the end of the fostering period. This indicates that, for the most part, participants formed mostly secure bonds with their temporary companions, even if some did experience feelings of grief once their foster pet had been adopted.
Overall, the study’s authors assert that fostering in collaboration with animal shelters may benefit human caregivers emotionally while also promoting animal welfare. However, they also note the caveat that these benefits don’t necessarily give rise to observable mental health improvements. Thus, those interested in fostering should remain cautious of its expensiveness specifically as a tool for mental health promotion.
What You Need to Be the Perfect Foster
If you can’t commit to adopting a shelter pet but still want to help out your local animal shelter or rescue group in a tangible way, fostering is one of the best things you can do. It’s also simpler to manage than you might think initially, particularly if you’ve kept pets at home before.
Any pet supplies you still have lying around, like food and water bowls, blankets, wholesale dog toys, and other pet merchandise will do a lot to help your foster pet settle in and enjoy their time with you. Items like collars, harnesses, and leashes are also reusable, provided they’re still in good condition and the proper size for your new four-legged friend.
New studies on animal behavior and human-pet relationships are coming out every day, and at the Barking Post Blog, we like to stay on top of the latest developments in the field. Bookmark us today for timely news, compelling stories, and expert advice.