Fostering a pet in need can save lives and change your life

Did you know that you can foster a dog, even a cat? Most county shelters hold animals for a very limited time to give the owner a chance to find them, but when that hold time is up they could be killed at any moment, sometimes just to make room for more adoptable dogs. When you temporarily foster a shelter dog you are not only saving that dogs life, you are opening a space for another dog to sit on its stray hold. The shelter is a very stressful place for a dog and they generally do not act the way they would in a home environment.
Rescue groups also have foster programs and most rescues can't save more pets without a place for them to go until their forever home is found. Rescue groups normally pay for all of the shots and medical expenses, and sometimes even pay for their food, especially if they have diet restrictions.
Most people think they couldn't keep a dog for a week or more then just give it up. It is hard but knowing that the new owners have been properly screened and have the option to return the dog to the rescue in the event it isn't a good match is comforting. Fosters also have the option to adopt the dog themselves or be involved in the adoption process, like visiting the new owners home. Fosters can also write their foster dogs expenses, if any, off on their taxes.
Research local rescue groups to find one that you agree with their policies and procedures. Want to foster a certain breed of dog, find a breed specific rescue and contact them no matter where you live, I promise they need foster homes to save more lives.

Have you considered fostering but haven't made the commitment?