If you’ve been considering getting a dog for a while but are scared to make it official, look into a foster to adopt program. It’s like a “trial run” that some rescues offer, where you take the dog home for a set amount of time to make sure it’s a good fit.
Predictability
The biggest benefit of fostering to adopt is predictability. You won’t know your foster dog’s temperament 100% on day one, but after a decompression period you’ll have time to watch them come out of their shell. You’ll also have time to make sure they get along with every member of the family — both pets and people.
You can do all the research in the world, but sometimes pets just don’t get along with each other. Like humans, some personalities just don’t mesh.
Some dogs simply don’t get along with other dogs or pets. If you foster to adopt, you can make sure your new dog gets along with everyone else before signing onto a lifelong commitment.
Some people are fine with the “crate and rotate” way of life with pets who fight with each other, but it’s certainly not for everyone. And sometimes it’s your current dog who decides they don’t want any new canine friends in the house.
There’s always a bit of a gamble with multi-pet households and how they’ll interact with each other. With foster to adopt, you can take some time to make sure it’s the right decision for everyone. Dogs act differently at home than they do at the park, so it will take at least a few days to see how the relationship unfolds.
Activity Level
Another great thing about fostering first is making sure you can match the dog’s physical and mental exercise demands. It can be hard to gauge a dog’s true personality in a shelter environment, and that includes activity levels. Being confined can make some dogs appear far more hyperactive and/or nervous than they would be at home, since getting out is their one chance to release that energy.
The opposite can be true as well. Some dogs “shut down” in the shelter environment, making it hard to gauge their true energy levels. Once they settle into a home and get comfortable with a routine, you might find that one 20-minute walk isn’t quite enough for them.
Medical Needs
Medical issues are another reason why fostering to adopt is a good idea. You might feel nervous about taking on a dog that requires daily medication, but after going through it you might decide it’s not so bad. On the other hand, you might find that a dog with ongoing medical needs is too much of a financial commitment if they require regular vet visits or a special diet. Until you go through it yourself, it’s hard to know how manageable or challenging something will be.
No Guilt If It’s Not the Right Fit
The other great benefit of fostering first is that you don’t have to feel guilty if it isn’t a perfect match. The dog will still be adopted into the right family, and you’ll be able to tell potential adopters all about their quirks and what kind of home they’d thrive in. Unlike purchasing or officially adopting a dog, fostering to adopt gives you time to make sure it’s the right fit — for you and for your new best friend.
If you’ve been thinking about getting a dog but want to be sure it’s a good match, start looking into foster to adopt programs near you.
