Are you passionate about animals and looking for a way to contribute? At Pets Alive, we believe everyone can play a part in helping pets in need. Whether you’re dreaming of adding a furry friend to your family but aren’t ready for permanent adoption, or simply have some spare time and a big heart, there’s a place for you in our mission to support pets alive and thriving.
Not quite ready to adopt a rescue dog or cat? Fostering might be the perfect fit! Can’t foster right now but still want to help? We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available. Even if you can’t make a regular commitment, you can still make a difference by donating to Pets Alive, attending a fundraising event, or simply spreading the word about our cause!
Ready to take the first step?
Discover the Rewards of Fostering Pets Alive
Have you ever heard the saying, “Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach a person to fish and you feed them for a lifetime”? This concept resonates deeply with our fostering program at Pets Alive. Adopting a dog or cat provides a loving home for one animal, a truly wonderful act. However, by fostering a dog or cat and preparing them for life in a forever home, you open up the possibility for countless more animals to find their permanent families. Fostering with Pets Alive dramatically expands our reach and impact.
Why Choose to Foster with Pets Alive?
Perhaps you adore animals but aren’t able to make a long-term commitment right now. Maybe your lifestyle allows for pet companionship only during certain times of the year, or you’re looking for a way to help animals in need without a regular, ongoing schedule. Fostering with Pets Alive provides a flexible and incredibly rewarding way to experience pet ownership and make a real difference in an animal’s life.
Some people hesitate to foster, wondering if it’s fair to bring an animal into their home, form a bond, and then say goodbye as they move on to their adoptive family. They might ask, “Isn’t that a second abandonment?” We see it differently at Pets Alive. Imagine taking in a scared, stray animal and showing them kindness, providing regular meals, and offering a warm, safe place to sleep. This act of fostering creates a vital bridge to their new, permanent home. Those of us involved in fostering know that the need is constant, and it brings immense joy to help these animals transition to their happy ever after. Fostering with Pets Alive is about giving a new lease on life.
Do You Have What It Takes to Foster?
Thinking about your skills? Pets Alive representatives will conduct a home visit and thoroughly explain the fostering process. The animals in our care have diverse needs, so foster placements are carefully considered based on your lifestyle, household dynamics, and experience. Teaching a dog basic obedience and good manners significantly increases their chances of finding and keeping a permanent home. Socializing a timid kitten rescued from the streets can transform them into a confident companion ready for indoor life.
Furthermore, fostering provides a valuable learning opportunity for your household. Understanding basic pet health and behavior is crucial, and Pets Alive is committed to supporting our foster families. We regularly host behavior seminars to enhance your knowledge of canine and feline body language, effective training techniques, and common behavioral issues. We empower our foster families to be the best possible caregivers.
Worried About the Costs of Fostering?
Financial concerns are understandable. Pets Alive provides foster parents with essential supplies, including food, and covers all pre-approved veterinary care. For those foster parents who are willing and able to provide supplies and food themselves, your generosity is a tremendous help to our program and deeply appreciated! Remember to keep your receipts, as these contributions may be tax-deductible as charitable donations at the end of the year.
The Emotional Aspect: Saying Goodbye
This is often the biggest hurdle. Saying goodbye to a fostered animal, even when they are going to a wonderful new home, can be emotionally challenging. However, it does become easier with time, especially as you experience the continuous flow of animals needing your help. Our foster families find it particularly helpful to be involved in the adoption process. Seeing your foster animal leave with their new family, knowing you played a crucial role in their journey, brings immense satisfaction.
Many Pets Alive foster families stay connected and receive photos and updates of their former foster pets thriving in their forever homes. These happy updates are a wonderful reminder of your achievements and bring joy to the whole family. It reinforces the knowledge that you’ve made a significant positive impact on an animal’s life and created space to help another pet in need through Pets Alive.
What Pets Alive Expects from Foster Parents:
- Complete a Foster Application
- Allow a home visit by Pets Alive Representatives
- Have internet and email access – as Pets Alive operates as a “virtual shelter” for our dog fosters, online communication is essential for adoptions and updates.
- Provide transportation for necessary vet appointments.
- Commit to socialization and enrichment for your foster pet.
- Offer lots of Tender Loving Care!
What You Can Expect from Pets Alive:
- Essential supplies for each dog or cat (including crate, food, toys, and litter). Your willingness to provide these items is a huge help and is tax-deductible.
- Comprehensive medical care: We arrange and cover the costs of check-ups, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering for all foster animals, as long as it’s pre-approved by Pets Alive.
- Ongoing support and assistance with any training or behavior concerns you may encounter.
- Specialized training and resources in certain cases, particularly for dogs with special needs like separation anxiety.
Join Pets Alive and become a vital part of our mission to give every pet a chance at a happy and healthy life. Your involvement, big or small, truly makes a difference and helps keep pets alive and well.
