McCarthy Subaru: $10,500 Donated to Lawrence Humane Society
Some think of us as simply a place to buy cars in Lawrence. We want to shed that image (somewhat) like a summer coat of fur. In addition to being one of the best car dealers in Lawrence, we also proudly support and sponsor our local Lawrence Humane Society. Most recently, through the Subaru Share the Love Event, we were able to raise over $10,000 for the LHS! That's a lot of kibble if we do say so ourselves.
Ready to do your part? The Lawrence Humane Society and animal shelters across the country are almost always seeking new foster pet parents! If you have the time, space, and patience to care for an animal in need, we strongly urge you to visit your local humane society and learn how to foster a pet.
In honor of the Lawrence Humane Society, here are 10 tips for fostering dogs, cats, and other animals. Keep them in mind before you bring home a furry friend.
How to Foster a Dog or Cat: Tips & Advice
Learning how to become an animal foster parent will take time and lots of trial and error. However, these tips will ensure you get off on the right foot paw.
1. Is fostering a dog right for you?
This is the all-important question you should be asking yourself from the get-go. You can take a "Should I Foster a Dog Quiz" or simply follow these guidelines:
Do you have experience caring for pets?
While not critical to your success as a dog or cat foster parent, having previous experience caring for a pet is ideal.
Do you own any other potentially aggressive animals?
Taking in a foster pet is not advised if your current animals are violent or show signs of aggression. However, because animals can sometimes be territorial around newbies, you can ask your humane society for tips. Slowly introducing all animals to each other, over the course of several weeks and at a neutral site, is one tactic.
Do you have any younger children?
Not all foster pets will be gentle and kind; some rescue dogs and cats may show signs of aggression, and although your humane shelter has assessed each animal going to foster homes, they cannot guarantee the safety of children. Sometimes aggressive behavior may not even be recognized until the dogs are put in certain situations.
Do you have time?
If you work 8-10 hours a day and spend a lot of time away from home, fostering a pet isn't a good idea. Foster animals, especially canines, will require more time, training and attention than you can provide.
Do you have a stable income?
If you have a stable form of income (as well as a home, a vehicle and a support system), you may be a good candidate for fostering a pet. Although your humane society will oftentimes provide you with all the necessities to care for the foster animal – including food, medication, and toys – it's not uncommon for foster parents to eat the cost of extra items, like snacks, more toys, and grooming products.
Do you have the patience required to deal with bad behavior and/or special needs?
Many shelter animals, particularly dogs, may not be properly trained. This can mean lots of "accidents" in the house, poor sleep habits (like howling when left alone), and general bad habits. A lot of patience and love is necessary to handle and correct this bad behavior, as well as "pet-proof" your home.
Similarly, some rescue animals will have special needs and require the same degree of patience and dedication. Your humane society will sometimes need temporary homes for dogs to heal after surgery, as well as foster homes for animals who show signs of suffering from post-traumatic stress or have other medical conditions and disabilities.
If you meet all these criteria, you might be a good fit as a foster pet parent!
2. Understand what to expect with the pet fostering application process
How does fostering a dog work, exactly? Becoming a good pet foster parent can be a bit complicated – we recommend speaking with or requesting information about your responsibilities from your humane society – but you should generally expect the following before being approved:
- A rigorous application process (proof of residency and income, references, perhaps even complete background checks)
- An interview
- Home visit(s)
- Potential orientation and training session(s)
- Agree to follow all pet foster rules
3. Make sure you have the right type of vehicle
Thinking about fostering a big, slobbery Great Dane? That Subaru Impreza, while perfectly fine for little terriers, isn't going to be appreciated by larger dog breeds (or you). You'll want something bigger, like a Subaru Ascent or at least a Subaru Outback. Don't bite off more than you and your vehicle can chew – you'll regret it. Read more about picking the best Subaru for big, medium, and small dogs.
You should also "pet-proof" your vehicle with seat covers and other pet-friendly car accessories, which you can order at our Lawrence Subaru Parts Department.
4. Follow the "Two Week Shutdown" process
Introduce your foster pets to people and other animals slowly. Once you get home, don't immediately leash them up and head to the park! Allow them up to 2 weeks to adjust to their new setting, and systematically introduce them to others when you feel like it's safe. Read more about the "Two Week Shutdown" theory here.
You can also start teaching basic dog commands – sit, stay, heel, etc. – once they begin feeling comfortable with you and their new environment. A dog that knows these commands is more likely to be adopted.
5. Begin house training immediately
No matter their age, always assume that the rescue dog has not been properly trained to go outside for bathroom breaks. Even if they have been trained, the stress of moving into a new home, with unfamiliar people and other pets, can be traumatic enough for them to regress back to their old ways.
6. Honestly assess their behavior
Don't gloss over behavioral issues or downplay them just for the sake of getting your foster dog or foster cat adopted. For instance, if your fostered cat attacks other cats, don't inform the shelter staff or potential adopters that the cat "needs time adjusting to other pets." This may seem like it's helpful to your foster kitty, but it isn't! If the cat is adopted and goes to a home with other cats, the owner may return the animal once they realize the behavioral issue.
7. To crate train or not to crate train?
Crate training isn't only for housebreaking dogs! Many experts believe that, when done properly, crate training can be beneficial to most dogs, especially those who are stressed or fearful. It can offer a comfortable, quiet place to sleep, and dogs may value this as a safe refuge when they're put in situations that make them scared (like when a plumber comes to repair a pipe, for instance).
Learn more about the benefits of crate training here.
8. Know when the pet is ready for adoption
Most foster pets will be ready for their forever homes at some point, though it's not always possible for animal shelter staff to predict when that time will come. It's your job to keep track of milestones and inform the shelter staff of your foster pet's progress toward a pre-determined goal (e.g., kittens being weaned from their mother, puppies meeting a certain weight, or animals being socialized).
9. Understand that fostering is temporary
As a pet foster parent, it's your job to provide temporary care until the animal is ready to be placed in a forever home. This could be anywhere from several days to several months. If you would be too emotionally crushed to say good-bye to your foster pet, you should consider adopting instead.
10. Photos and videos are your furry friend's friend!
Take loads of photos and videos of your foster pet. Show off their personality and cuteness. This will help them connect with potential adoption suitors and get them in their forever homes ASAP.
If you're interested in learning about adopting a pet or how to become a foster pet parent in Lawrence, we strongly recommend following our tips above and checking out available cats and dogs to foster at the Lawrence Humane Society. And if you're interested in adopting (financing) or fostering (leasing) a vehicle, visit our Subaru dealership in Lawrence at 2101 W 29th Terrace.