Can I foster if I own a pet? The positives of animals for children & young people in foster care
When considering fostering, many individuals have questions and concerns, particularly regarding their pets and how fostering might affect them. The good news is that it is absolutely possible to foster with pets! In fact, many of our Unity Foster Care families are proud pet owners. However, it's essential to understand the potential impacts fostering can have on your furry friends. Fostering may disrupt their routine and introduce additional stress, so weighing the pros and cons is crucial before making a decision.
As a nation of animal lovers, we often see our pets as beloved family members. It’s natural to worry about how pet ownership might affect a fostering application. The truth is, having a pet typically isn't a barrier to fostering—in fact, it can be an asset! Pets provide companionship, comfort, and a sense of calm, and research indicates that interacting with animals can lower blood pressure and boost endorphin levels!
For your home to be suitable for fostering, all pets must pass a risk assessment. This assessment evaluates various factors, including the animal's temperament, behaviour, and history. It's vital that your pets are healthy, receive regular veterinary check-ups, and have access to clean bowls and litter trays. Additionally, your garden should be secure and free of animal waste, and your home should be tidy and free from excessive pet hair.
That said, there are occasions when a pet may prevent you from fostering. For example, if you own a breed of dog that is registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act, you cannot pursue fostering. We may also need to exercise caution with breeds identified by the RSPCA as having a propensity for aggression. If any of your pets have previously caused injury to another person or animal, this would also hinder your assessment. Lastly, households with multiple animals might face limitations regarding fostering opportunities
Fostering presents unique challenges, and it’s essential to educate any children living in your home about proper interactions with pets. Establishing clear boundaries from the outset helps prevent any unintended harm. It’s important to consider that the children you foster may have never lived with a pet before, so they might not understand how to engage with them. As a foster carer, ensuring the safety of both the child and the pet is paramount. Many wonderful bonds have developed between pets and foster children, and with the right guidelines in place, pet ownership and fostering can harmoniously coexist
We warmly encourage households with pets to inquire about fostering.
Here are our top five benefits of owning a pet when fostering…
Emotional support and unconditional love
Pets have an innate ability to provide unconditional love and emotional support which can be especially crucial for foster children. These children may have experienced trauma, loss, or feelings of abandonment. The presence of a pet can help alleviate their anxiety and provide a consistent and loving presence in their lives. Pets offer a safe space for children to express their emotions without judgment, creating a sense of comfort and security.
Companionship and reduced loneliness
Foster children often face challenges in building stable relationships due to frequent changes in their living situations. Pets can serve as constant companions, offering a sense of consistency and stability. The companionship provided by pets can help alleviate feelings of loneliness, provide comfort during difficult times, and reduce the emotional impact of separation and placement changes. Pets become trusted confidants and devoted friends, helping foster children navigate their emotional journeys. This benefit was especially highlighted during the Covid pandemic, when a 2020 Mental Health Foundation study found that 68% of pet owners in the UK felt their pet provided emotional and mental health benefits.*
Improved emotional wellbeing and mental health
Interacting with pets has been proven to have significant positive effects on mental health and emotional well-being. For foster children, the presence of a pet can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Caring for a pet can give foster children a sense of purpose, responsibility, and self-worth. Engaging in activities like playing, walking, or simply cuddling with their furry friends releases endorphins, fostering a sense of happiness and improving overall emotional health. A recent study showed that children aged 2 to 5 with a family dog were more active, spent less time on screens, and slept more on average, than those without a pet.**
Development of empathy, nurturing, and social skills
Caring for a pet can teach foster children important life skills, such as empathy, nurturing, and responsibility. The relationship with a pet provides opportunities for foster children to develop and practice these skills in a safe and non-judgmental environment. By understanding the needs of their pets, children learn to be compassionate, patient, and considerate. These skills can extend beyond their interactions with animals, positively impacting their relationships with peers and caregivers.
Pets also act as social catalysts, encouraging social interactions and helping foster children develop better communication and social skills. Pets provide common ground for conversation and bonding with peers, as well as a source of comfort when facing unfamiliar social situations.
Increased self-esteem and sense of identity
Children and young people in foster care may often struggle with their sense of self-worth and identity due to the disruptions in their lives. Pets can play a significant role in improving self-esteem and fostering a positive sense of identity. Caring for a pet successfully and witnessing their pet's growth and well-being can instill a sense of accomplishment and pride. The bond formed with a pet can become an integral part of a foster child's identity, providing a source of stability and belonging.
The positive impact of pets on foster children is undeniable. From providing emotional support and companionship to fostering empathy, social skills, and a sense of identity, pets have the power to transform the lives of these resilient children. The unconditional love, loyalty, and unwavering support offered by pets can help these children to heal, grow, and thrive as they navigate the challenges of foster care.
Make a difference to the lives of children and young people, start your application today with Unity Foster Care today. Our friendly team are on hand to answer any questions you may have, as well as support you in starting your fostering journey.
To make a start on your application, call us on 0333 772 2333 or contact us online and we’ll be in touch.
* https://blog.gitnux.com/pets-and-mental-health-statistics/
** https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220609-do-pets-help-childrens-development