Can You Foster a Child if You Have a Dog?

Many people have misconceptions about pets and fostering, particularly regarding the kinds of animals that are acceptable in homes. However, what is required for assessment and how do animals like dogs fit into foster care?

Can I Foster a Child If I Have a Dog as a pet? 

This is a common question since as there are many misconceptions that if you want to foster, you can’t have certain kinds of animals at all. This is untrue, and regrettably, it may discourage many people from applying for foster care.

We do stipulate that you are not permitted to own any animals on the banned animal list, due to their erratic behaviour. We cannot permit any young person who is at risk to live in a household where an animal could pose a threat.

During early discussions once you have registered your interest in fostering, a member of our recruitment team would ask you if you have any pets and find out more about the pet you have. If you are to have a friendly dog, who’s breed isn’t a concern, there will be no issue with fostering whatsoever but a pet risk assessment will be done just to make sure that there is no risk.

Dogs can be great for a foster family as many children love them. They also provide opportunities for foster families to do more activities together such as dog walks which also ensures that the foster child/young person is regularly exercising.

Are you interested in fostering? Register to foster with us here and a member of our team will give you a call –> Request a Callback | Beacon Fostering