Paws for thought: what you need to know about fostering pets during COVID

Posted on 1 May, 2020

With the prospect of a socially distanced 2020 and frosty winter months stretching ahead, it’s likely that many of us have been pining for a pet to keep us company.

And if you’re not in a place to commit to a fur-ever fur baby, chance are you’ve thought about fostering one during the COVID lockdown.

But what exactly is fostering, how long do you have to commit to, and what sorts of pets can you foster?

These are some of the questions we put to RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robertson, who was more than happy to shed some light on fostering.

Tell us more about why Canberrans should consider fostering a pet while working from home during COVID-19?

Right now, we’re facing an unprecedented crisis, with over 214 animals in our care.

Of course, [COVID] does not mean our animals will be without our care, but it does mean that animals will be at the Shelter for longer, impacting funds that we use to help care for the thousands of other animals we see every year.

With many Canberrans now working from home to practice social distancing it is the perfect time to adopt or foster a pet if you are unable to adopt long term—at the moment, we have 100 animals in foster care.

You’ll have quality time to spend with your foster animal which will help with their socialisation while preparing them for when we are able to find their forever home.

Is there any risk to the pets of COVID-19?

To date, there is no evidence that companion animals play a role in the spread of this human disease.

We still encourage healthy hand hygiene after touching animals as they can be considered a surface in which multiple people interact with.

Betty the rabbit.

How can pets help in times of mental and emotional distress and crisis?

Pets are the perfect way to de-stress during this difficult time. Our dogs give us the opportunity to exercise by walking them (while maintaining social distancing) which can be great for our mental health.

Pets are also known to improve our mood, help control our blood pressure, give us social support and prevent us feeling lonely. And let’s not forget the unconditional love that they give us. Even when we’re trying to work from home!

What eligibility requirements are there for fostering?

We’re looking for individuals or families with plenty of love and time to give to a foster pet.

Our cats will need to be kept indoors, so secure housing will be necessary. Our dogs require secure back yards and, at times, high fencing. We rely on our foster carers to provide a safe and secure caring home for animals in need.

We will require individuals to provide us with photographs of their home to ensure the animals are suited to the environment.

Ozzie.

What type of pets can be fostered?

We currently have dogs, cats and bunnies in our care that may be looking for loving foster homes should we need to activate these carers.

What is a typical time period for fostering?

Duration varies from a few weeks to many months and will depend on the animal’s needs. We will work to select animals that are most suitable for any foster families work/life/home situation.

Young kittens will need to time grow, socialise before they are ready to be desexed and go up for adoption which could be a few weeks to a month.

Some of our cats and dogs find the shelter environment extremely stressful so we prefer to have them out in a home environment. Sometimes this could be short term for a few weeks, or even more long term depending on their needs.

With the unknown ahead of us, we will be looking for individuals ready to care for animals for an uncertain amount of time.

Do people have to pay a fee to foster? Do they have to pay for food?

All our foster carers are volunteers who so kindly give their time to help animals in need. We provide fosters with all the essentials such as food, kitty litter, medicines, toys and beddings to ensure that their animals settle in to their care.

Our staff are readily available to provide advice or answer any questions to families fostering to ensure we have happy foster families and foster animals. This includes medical concerns as our Veterinary team will be providing direction and advice.

Buddha.

What should people keep in mind before applying to foster?

In the first instance, we encourage anyone that is ready to adopt to take the step!

Now is a perfect time to settle in a new family member and give them all the love and attention they deserve when moving into a new home. But we must remind people to think of the long term commitment it takes to owning a pet.

Please note bookings are essential for adoptions to ensure we limit the amount of people in any area at a given time and can maintain effective social distancing.

If you aren’t ready to adopt but have the capacity to care for an animal in the short term, you can register your interest should we need to activate our foster care network at rspca-act.org.au/get-involved/volunteer

Already got a fur baby at home? Still want to help support the RSPCA ACT?

RSPCA Million Paws Walk 2019.

Consider taking part in the 2020 Million Paws Walk. This year it will be a special online version where participants will walk their usual routes with their pups and raise money online to find the RSPCA’s vital services.

Fundraising kicks off today, Friday 1 May! Learn more here: millionpawswalk.com.au/ACT/home

All images courtesy of RSPCA ACT.