Foster Pets for Seniors
All the love. None of the lifelong commitment.
Why foster?
- Companionship without 15-year commitment.
- Try before adopting (foster-to-adopt).
- Save lives — fosters free shelter space.
- Costs covered — food, supplies, vet usually free.
- Choose duration — 2 weeks to 6 months typically.
- Take breaks between pets.
- Often easier than full ownership.
Types of foster
- Senior pets — calmer, perfect for seniors. Less time.
- Mom + puppies/kittens — needy short-term.
- Medical recovery — short-term post-surgery.
- Behavior socialization — needs basic care + love.
- Hospice foster — give dying senior pet final months of love.
- Vacation foster — owner deployed, hospitalized — temporary.
What you provide
- Safe home environment.
- Food + water.
- Basic care (walks, petting, attention).
- Transport to vet appointments.
- Love + socialization.
- Updates to rescue (photos, behavior).
- Return when adopted.
What rescue provides
- Vet care + medications usually 100% covered.
- Often food + supplies free.
- Beds, crates, toys loaned.
- 24/7 support phone.
- Pet returned if doesn't work out.
- Training help if needed.
How to start
- Local shelter — search "[your city] pet foster."
- Petfinder.com — find rescues near you.
- Best Friends Animal Society.
- Breed-specific rescues (Lab Rescue, Cat Welfare, etc.).
- Application + home visit usually.
- Match pet to your situation honestly.
- Start with 1 pet, short term — 2 weeks.
"Foster fail" warning
- Adopting your foster pet — common!
- Many seniors fall in love + keep first foster.
- Plan finances + lifestyle for full ownership.
- Or be honest — return to shelter, choose another.
- Don't feel guilty — saving lives either way.
Hospice fostering: most meaningful
Senior pets in shelters often die alone. Hospice fostering = give them love + a home for final weeks/months. Rescue covers all costs. Bittersweet but profound. Many seniors do it repeatedly. Best Friends has program. Search "senior pet hospice foster."