Why fostering is so important

What is fostering, and why is it so important?

Fostering means to give a rescued animal ― young or old ― a safe space to decompress, heal, and learn to trust and interact with (nice) humans, so that they get ready for their forever-homes. If the animals are very young, teaching them basic potty-training and simple instructions (come, sit, no, etc.), are necessary. While this sounds like a lot of work (and yes, we never deny that it is), the amount of joy and love those animals give back is far more than us offering them shelter, food, care, and cuddles. So, if you don’t want to commit to taking in an animal for the span of its whole life (cats and dogs, for example, can live up to 15 years, if not more), fostering is a great way to help animals in need. Indeed, this plays an important part in the chain for making the world a better place.

How experienced do I have to be to foster?

If one already has animal experience ― e.g., through owning a pet, or having volunteered in a shelter before ― it is not difficult to begin fostering. However, everyone can become a foster by simply deciding to do so. If you are new to living with and caring for animals, AAAT will help you learn the basics so that you feel safe and empowered enough to start the fostering process. Fostering is a great way to learn and appreciate the love animals give back to us.

How long does one usually foster an animal for? If no permanent home can be found for the foster animal, will I be stuck with it for life?

Here is the thing: fostering means committing to the animal until the best solution for the animal is found. Sometimes, this takes only a few days; sometimes it requires weeks or month/s to find a loving and safe forever-home for an animal. And sometimes, the animal can choose you for life! AAAT will help with the adoption, vaccination, and sterilization / neutering process, and spread the word in the animal community that a particular animal is ready for adoption. However, it is important to understand from the beginning that finding homes takes time and effort, and responsible fostering means that you will not abandon the animal in the middle of the process.

If I want to foster, what do I have to have in place?

The most important, of course, is your intention, time, and love for animals. Fostering young animals (kitten and puppies), for example, sometimes requires only very little space (a bathroom, an empty cupboard, a box in a safe place) to save a life. Thus, almost everyone can foster if the will is there to do so. AAAT will help you with tips, tricks, and every bit of experience that can be shared with you.

What if the animal falls sick during my foster time? Do I have to pay all bills?

If your foster animal falls sick, please take it to the nearest vet immediately (AAAT will help you find one in your location). If you can afford to pay the vet and food bills, please do so. Otherwise, the necessary money can be raised, especially in urgent cases.

If I have to travel spontaneously, what do I do?

It is possible to hire a pet sitter, or ask responsible friends and family to move into your space for a few days and take over, with relevant instructions. For the animals, it is best not to shift locations too often. Thus, we advise that the animals be allowed to stay in their safe space until you return.

When should I not foster, and what else can I do to help animals?

It is better to be clear from the beginning that fostering is a responsible commitment towards another living being. If there are reasons for your not being able to commit with heart and soul to taking in an animal ― it may be work, potential travel, space restrictions, or health issues ― don’t worry: there are other ways you can help.

1. Volunteer – We always need more helping hands that can support in outdoor feedings, transporting a sick animal to the vet, or assisting in a shelter.
2. Donate money / food – The easiest and fastest way for you to support animals in need is to donate money and / or food to the people on the ground.
3. Help spread the word, and raise awareness – Since we are always on the lookout for more foster parents and potential adopters, even sharing pictures on your social media accounts can help to change one animal’s life forever.

If you feel inspired to help, just get in touch with us!

Alpha Angels Animal Trust Success Stories

1. Jasmin
   Jasmin is a wild cat that found her way to Alpha Angels Animal Trust by herself, already heavily pregnant, and in need of a safe space to give birth. Shortly after, and in a quiet corner of Alpha Angel’s co-founder Shraddha’s Yoga Shala, Jasmine delivered five healthy and beautiful kittens. We are happy to announce that all of them found forever homes through our network, and even Jasmin’s feral boyfriend, who clearly is the father of the five little ones, could be neutered in the process. Since Jasmin got very comfortable living inside a house, and loves to receive and give love, we are now looking for a forever home for her after her sterilization. If you want to give Jasmin a good life, please get in touch with us!
2. Lola
   Lola was found by Alpha Angels Animal Trust on the roads of Goa, most probably left there to fend for herself by her previous owners. In hindsight, it was the turning point in her destiny! Lola now happily lives with her dog brother Max in Mumbai, and saved his life in the process, too. Max suffered from severe anxiety issues, and Lola, with her loving, calm character, managed to bring peace and joy back into his and their adoption mother’s life. Alpha Angels Animal Trust supported the process of acquainting the two dogs, resulting in one of the most wonderful examples of animal companionship.

Our Database

Thanks to the generosity of many talented animal lovers in this country, we are able to offer a variety of insightful documents packed with knowledge for free on our website. If you decide to share the PDF’s linked below further, please credit the authors to keep the love alive.

• • How to take care of cats
    • Cat Care Document
    • CP Behaviour Guide
  • How to take care of dogs
    • Dog Care Document