Dr. Hunter Finn On National Foster a Pet Month

Did you know that June is National Foster a Pet Month? In honor of this special month, the RCT sat down with veterinary expert Dr. Hunter Finn to learn more about pet foster care.

Fostering an animal gives them the attention they won’t necessarily receive in a busy shelter and the environment where they can heal, grow, and learn social skills – increasing their chances of finding a forever home. According to Dr. Finn, “Fostering a pet in need is a powerful way to make a difference in the lives of animals. You have the ability to offer pets love, care, and a secure environment – often something that is lacking in their current situation.”

Larger dogs and senior pets are most in need of fostering, as they typically have longer shelter stays. “The senior pets also deserve love and affection in their elder years. Many times, they are given up because they have minor health issues like arthritis, or, sadly, because their owners couldn’t afford to take care of them anymore,” Dr. Finn explained.

Despite the benefits of pet foster care, there are several common misconceptions that hold many people back from fostering pets. For example, many potential foster parents hesitate due to cost concerns or fears that having a foster animal would negatively impact pets already living in their home. However, Dr. Finn explained, “many foster parents have existing pets. Humane shelters take match making very seriously and will consider a foster parent’s current situation on whether the pet will get along with other animals and any other considerations to be mindful of (e.g. children).” 

Furthermore, many shelters will cover fostering-related expenses, such as pet insurance or the cost of the foster animal’s care and supplies. “This financial support can make all the difference,” Dr. Finn told the RCT; he stated that the process of caring for a shelter animal can be much less time and labor intensive then potential parents often assume. In Dr. Finn’s experience, “The majority of foster pets are healthy and routine-focused.” 

Dr. Finn emphasized the benefits of fostering a pet not only for the animal, but also for the foster parents. Fostering a pet gives people a chance to experience the joy of animal companionship without the responsibility or stress of long-term care. Dr. Finn said, “I’ve worked with many rescues and have seen the joy that they can bring an owner. Every day, I have clients who have been struggling with the loss of their recent pets and – in their own time – many will decide to adopt or foster a pet to help them heal. Although those new pets are never a replacement for their previously lost pet, they bring so much joy, help them heal the heartbreak and start a new chapter.

“I would encourage those in the Rockland County area to seriously consider fostering an animal during National Foster a Pet Month in June and beyond.”