Become a foster home
A foster home for dogs and cats from animal shelters is an important part of our rescue network. It not only provides a temporary home, but also fulfills a number of important functions that change the lives of rescued animals forever. Become a foster home now and save two lives!
The importance of foster homes
With our animal welfare project in Romania, we support over 500 dogs and 100 cats. Many animals are simply invisible here and therefore have little chances of finding a home of their own. Our animal caretakers do their best to assess the animals to find the ideal home for them. However, the animals in the shelter cannot get to know certain stimuli such as bicycles, children, or cars—and we cannot predict how they will react to them.
Foster homes in Germany allow dogs and cats to get out of the often crowded and stressful shelter environment:
- Foster homes give the animals the chance to relax, build trust, and prepare for a life in a permanent home. Through daily interaction with people and other pets, the dogs and cats learn important skills such as house training, basic dog training, and social skills. This makes them better adjusted and more adoptable companions.
- Foster homes provide the animals with medical care, attention, and love, which unfortunately are not available in sufficient quantities for every animal in Romania, even though the local team does its best every day. Anyone who would like to take in a foster dog or cat could finally close this gap.
- Another important advantage of foster homes is that they give the animals the opportunity to be seen and gotten to know more easily by potential adopters.
Becoming a foster home saves two lives!
Firstly, the animal that is taken in gets a new chance at life. Secondly, a new place becomes available at the animal shelter for another animal that might otherwise have been put down at a killing station.
Overall, foster homes make an invaluable contribution to the well-being of rescued animals. Without these dedicated people who are willing to give their time, energy, and love, it would be difficult for many animals to get a second chance and a happy life.
As a foster home, I have already been able to give several dogs a start in a new life in Germany. Some foster dogs only stayed for two weeks, while others stayed for a few months. I learn a lot from each foster dog and always say goodbye to my foster dogs with a smile and a tear in my eye, but knowing that they will be well cared for.
Julia, volunteer
Your role as a foster home
As a foster home, you are the first home that an animal from our shelter gets to know. You accompany the foster dog or cat during their first time in Germany and help them get used to live here. You show them how to trust people and take the first steps in training them. Your new friend learns everything they need from you to quickly find their own home.
Other tasks as a foster home:
- Take photos and videos of your furry friend
- Fill out the profile and submit descriptions
- Welcome potential adopters
A foster home allows you to get to know the dog in a home environment and thus be able to make a better assessment of it. The greatest reward is when the right family is found for the foster dog and it can move in with them—because that’s not only great for the foster dog, but also for the dog for whom the foster home has now become available.
Verena, volunteer
Becoming a foster home: Conditions
As a foster home for an animal from abroad, you are not automatically responsible for everything. All animals are covered by liability insurance through our association, and higher veterinary costs are covered by arrangement. Nevertheless, you should meet or accept certain requirements:
Time: As a foster home, you are responsible for the dog or cat until they have found a forever home. This can take a few weeks or even months, depending on the animal’s behavior.
Patience & understanding: Animals in Germany do not always behave the same way they did at the shelter. You should understand that they have to learn everything from house training to going for walks.
Experience: Ideally, you already have experience with rescue animals. This way, we can all be sure that you are prepared for potential situations and that no one feels overwhelmed.
Food & vet: It would be great if you could cover the cost of food and minor vet expenses as a foster home.
Which foster dog or cat should you take in?
We are looking for foster homes for small, large, shy, brave, young, and older dogs and cats. Depending on your living situation, only certain animals may be suitable. Perhaps you would like to give an older or sick animal a chance at a home. Or maybe you would like to have a little whirlwind puppy in your home. Together with you, we will look at which animal might be a good fit for you as a foster home.
Would you like to take in a foster dog from Romania and give it a new start in life? Become a foster home for a dog from our partner animal shelter now.
Would you like to give a cat from Romania the chance to find a home of its own? Become a foster home for a cat from our partner animal shelter now.
Do you have any questions?
Then use our contact form or simply send an email to info@hunderettungeuropa.de
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