Fostering as a pet owner – what you need to know

If you are considering becoming a foster carer and have, or are thinking of getting, a pet, you might be wondering if you are able to look after it while also looking after children and young people in foster care.

While pets can bring benefits to children, through teaching them about responsibility and acting as a source of stress relief and comfort, there will be some additional assessments involved when you are applying to be a foster carer.

Here’s what you need to know from Beacon Fostering regarding owning pets and fostering.

Assessments for pet owners

While pet owners can foster children and young people in need, any pets they own will be assessed. This will look at their behaviour, personality and how they respond to strangers.

Additionally, the designated social worker, fostering agency or local authority will see if the home will be suitable for a specific foster child in regard to any fears or allergies of pets they might have.

Benefits for the foster child

Whether the foster carers have a dog, cat, guinea pigs, canaries or reptiles, looking after, or helping to look after a pet has several benefits for a child or young person in foster care.

For instance, it teaches them about responsibility in feeding them, exercising them and cleaning their enclosures, and the animals can also act as companions, offering comfort and stability to the child. Young people on the autism spectrum can also gain these benefits, along with developing routine and learning about communication and language.