If you’re new to the rescue world, you’ve probably heard people talk about fostering and adopting a dog or cat—but what exactly sets them apart?
Both play essential roles in saving animals, but they come with different commitments. One is temporary. One is forever. And sometimes… the temporary one turns into the forever one anyway.
What Is Fostering?
Fostering means you welcome a dog or cat into your home for a limited time while they wait for their perfect forever family. Instead of staying in a shelter, they get to decompress, learn, and feel safe in a real home.
People foster for all kinds of reasons:
- They’re not ready to commit to a permanent pet yet
- They want a “trial run” to see what kind of animal fits their lifestyle
- They already have pets but still want to help animals in need
- They simply love being part of an animal’s rescue journey
A foster stay can last from a few days to a year or more, depending on the animal’s needs and adoption readiness.
Fostering is incredibly valuable. It teaches animals how to live in a home—sometimes around kids or other pets—which makes them much more adoptable.
Some even choose to become hospice fosters. These extraordinary people open their homes to elderly or terminally ill animals so they can spend their final chapter surrounded by comfort and love instead of a shelter. 😭
What Is Adopting?
Adopting is the big commitment:
You’re bringing a dog or cat into your home for life. Their food, care, love, training, and future are now in your hands.
And yes—many foster parents eventually adopt their foster animals. It happens so often there’s a name for it: a foster fail (the best kind of “fail” there is). When you realize the animal you’ve been caring for is your perfect match, it’s a win for everyone.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you want to foster or adopt, your local shelters and rescue groups would love to hear from you. Every open home—temporary or forever—can change an animal’s life.
