fbpx

Family Fostering Partners uses cookies and analytical tracking in order to improve your experience on our website. Please provide consent for this process by clicking the consent button below. You can opt-out at any time by visiting familyfosteringpartners.co.uk/opt-out.

Can you foster if you have pets?

Are you considering fostering a child but, but wondering “can you foster if you have pets”? This comprehensive guide addresses the common queries around fostering with pets and sheds light on the rules and guidance around having pets in your fostering home.

Can foster parents have pets?

The answer is a resounding yes! Many prospective foster parents wonder whether fostering children with pets in the home is a possibility or if their beloved pets will be a barrier to fostering. The truth is, pets can coexist harmoniously with children who are fostered, enriching their lives in numerous ways. From dogs and cats to more unconventional pets like hamsters and reptiles, fostering agencies accommodate a wide variety of pet owners.

Benefits of Pets in Fostering:

  1. Companionship and Emotional Support: Pets offer invaluable companionship and emotional support to foster children, alleviating feelings of loneliness, stress, and anxiety. The unconditional love and presence of a pet can be particularly comforting to children navigating the uncertainties of foster care.
  2. Responsibility and Life Skills: Caring for a pet can help instil vital life skills such as responsibility, empathy, and compassion in foster children. From feeding and grooming to understanding non-verbal cues, interactions with pets foster valuable social and emotional development.
  3. Physical Activity: Pets encourage physical activity, promoting overall health and well-being for the entire family. Whether it's a game of fetch with a dog, or interactive play with a cat, pets motivate children in foster care to engage in active pursuits, which in turn fosters a healthier lifestyle.
  4. Sense of Belonging: Pets create a sense of stability and routine, making the foster home feel like a welcoming environment. Coming home to a wagging tail or a purring cat can provide a sense of security and belonging, especially for children transitioning into a new home.

Assessment Process:

Fostering agencies such as us at Family Fostering Partners will conduct a thorough "Pet Assessment" as part of the application process to ensure the safety and compatibility of pets with foster children. While pets can be immensely beneficial, agencies will always prioritise the welfare of foster children and assess each situation individually.

During the assessment, factors such as the type and number of pets, their behaviour and temperament, and the foster home environment are carefully evaluated. Foster parents are encouraged to provide detailed information about their pets, including their routines, interactions with children, and any specific training or certifications they may have.

Considerations and Precautions:

While pets offer numerous advantages, fostering agencies and foster parents must consider potential risks and take necessary precautions. Some key points to remember include:

  • Supervised Interaction: Supervision is essential to ensure the safety of both pets and foster children during interactions. Teaching foster children how to safely interact with pets and recognise their cues is crucial for fostering a positive relationship.
  • Understanding Individual Dynamics: Understanding the history and dynamics of both the child and the pet is crucial in determining compatibility. Some foster children may have had traumatic experiences with animals in the past, necessitating sensitivity and tailored interventions.
  • Health and Safety Measures: Regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and good housekeeping practices are essential to maintain a safe environment for everyone. Foster parents should ensure that pets are up to date on vaccinations, properly groomed, and provided with adequate nutrition and enrichment. Additionally, some children may have allergies which would result in them not being able to be matched in a household with pets.
  • Risk Mitigation Strategies: Foster parents should have strategies in place to address any potential risks or conflicts involving pets and foster children. This may include creating designated pet-free zones, establishing clear boundaries, and implementing positive reinforcement techniques for desired behaviours.
  • Dangerous Dogs Act: Although dogs can be a great companion and aid for children who are fostered, applications to foster will not be considered from anyone who owns any breed of dog that is registered or required to be registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991/1997. For example, Pit Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentino, or Bully XL's.

Final Thoughts:

Pets can play a significant role in the fostering journey, offering love, companionship, and therapeutic benefits to foster children. If you're considering fostering and have pets, don't let that deter you. We welcome any questions around “can I foster if I have pets” from prospective Foster Parents, you can ask us directly using the live chat feature on our website. By embracing the unique bond between pets and foster children, we create an environment where every child feels loved, supported, and valued. If you would like to contact us and begin your journey to becoming a Foster Parent, please visit our “Contact us” page by following this link.

return to news & blogs

Thinking about fostering?

With your busy life, we like to keep things simple! Please choose the option below that suits you best.