There is a huge need for foster homes for pets throughout the Northwest at this time. Most rescues and many shelters have dogs and cats available for fostering. All cover vet care, and many cover food and transport costs as well.
Some fosters are very short-term (puppies, kittens, and more adoptable young animals). Some are long-term; some older dogs may be with you for the rest of their lives, if you choose.
Ages of available foster animals range from not-quite-born to very old. All breeds and mixes are represented.
As pregnant dogs and cats are often dumped at shelters (or just left out in the woods to die), shelters and rescues often have a need for people to care for pregnant moms and then for their babies. If you have kids and think they need to see the birth process, this is a much more responsible way (as well as much less expensive) than allowing your own pet to become pregnant.
If you find yourself missing animal companionship but are in transition financially or emotionally or geographically... this could be a great solution for you.
If you are considering adoption and want to check out different breeds, or even to try a "foster-to-adopt" scheme, the foster experience can help you make a good choice when you're ready to adopt.
In addition to covering expenses, the rescues I have worked with are very attentive to any problems that arise with the animal, are completely gracious and prompt in reimbursing for expenses, and promptly take the animal back if the foster placement isn't working out.
As a foster, you gain the benefits of animal companionship and also have the satisfaction of knowing, very directly and concretely, that you are helping to save a life: every foster placement means one more space in a shelter or rescue for another animal, one more animal saved from euthanasia. In addition, your input is valued by the rescues for providing information about the animal's quirks (for instance how it gets along with cats, dogs, kids, etc.), behavioral and medical issues, etc.
Specific animals in need of fostering are listed on the web sites of many shelters and rescues, and on www.petfinder.com
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