Can I foster if I have a pet?

People often ask, can I foster if I have a pet? Of course, you can.

Having pets doesn’t necessarily stop you from becoming a foster carer. Whether it’s your dog eagerly awaiting your arrival as you come through the front door or your cat coming in for a cuddle on the sofa, for many people a pet can make their home feel complete.

If you do have pets, prior to becoming a foster carer, a full vet check is done to make sure it is safe to place a young person in your household with that pet. Some young people can be scared of animals or may be allergic to types of pet hair. In this case, it may not be suitable to place that young person in your home.

However for most foster children, pets can be seen as a source of support, comfort, and help grow a young person’s confidence, as they come into a new household with unfamiliar surroundings.

Here are just some of the great ways that pets can be beneficial to foster children and young people:

• They can help young people feel relaxed in stressful situations – Pets can help lower your blood pressure and heart rate by petting and cuddling them.
• Pets can be great for keeping children and young people company. They are playful, always up for playing fetch or snuggling on the sofa. This is a great way to help a young person create a bond and build relationships. Pets help young people to feel happy and safe.
• They provide young people with some responsibility. Getting your young person involved in taking care of your pet is a great way to make them feel good. From taking it a walk to tidying up after it, they can feel better knowing they are contributing to looking after it
• They keep the whole family fit. If you have a dog it’s a great way to get everyone out for a walk, burn off some energy and let the young person and dog run around.

If you want to know any more information on fostering with pets then please contact a member of our team on 0141 646 4805 who will be able to answer any questions you may have.