Benefits of Short-Term Fostering for Pets and People

When people think about fostering a shelter pet, they often assume it’s a long-term commitment. But did you know that even a short stay, just a few days or even a single night, can make a big difference in an animal’s life? At Metro East Humane Society (MEHS), short-term fostering is one of the most powerful ways you can support our mission to improve the lives of people and pets. Whether you're home for the summer, testing the waters of pet ownership, or just have a big heart and a little free time, short-term fostering might be the perfect fit for you and your family.

What is Short-Term Fostering?

Short-term fostering gives adoptable animals a much-needed break from the shelter environment by allowing them to spend time in a loving home, sometimes just for a night, a weekend, or a few weeks.

At MEHS, we’ve designed flexible short-term fostering programs to fit your schedule:

• Slumber Pawties: Host a pup overnight and give them a cozy evening filled with love, treats, and couch cuddles. Just one night out of the shelter can do wonders for their stress levels.

• MEHS Dogventures: Take a dog out for the day on a “field trip” to one of our approved locations like local parks, trails, Home Depot, or the neighborhood frozen custard stand. These adventures give dogs a chance to stretch their legs, show off their personalities, and enjoy a change of scenery.

• Weekend and Vacation Fosters: Going to be home for a few days and want some furry  company? That’s all it takes to help a shelter animal decompress and feel cared for. 
  

Benefits of Short-Term Fostering for the Pet

Short-term fostering offers incredible benefits to shelter animals, including:

• Stress Relief: Shelters can be loud and overwhelming. A few days in a quiet, loving home can help reduce stress and anxiety, especially for animals that may be older, shy, or recovering from medical procedures.

• Improved Behavior: Animals often show their true personalities when they are in a comfortable home setting. They may become more relaxed, social, or even pick up basic house manners, all of which improve their chances of being adopted.

• Exposure to New Environments: Foster homes provide opportunities for pets to experience things they wouldn’t in the shelter, such as stairs, kids, other animals, or simply napping on a cozy couch. This socialization is key for their development.

• Faster Adoptions: Pets in foster care get adopted faster. Why? Because we can share more information with potential adopters about how they behave in a home and what makes them special.

Benefits of Short-Term Fostering for the Family

Short-term fostering doesn’t just help animals; it can be a rewarding and joyful experience for you, too.

• It’s Flexible: Not ready for a long-term commitment? That’s okay! Short-term fostering works around your schedule, whether you find yourself with more free time for the summer or have a weekend with no plans.

• It Teaches Responsibility: Fostering is a great way for kids and adults alike to learn about animal care, empathy, and the importance of helping others, especially when it comes to animals in need.

• It’s an Impactful Way to Give Back: You don’t need to donate money to make a difference. Opening your heart and home, even for a short time, is an incredibly meaningful way to support MEHS and the animals in our care.

• You’ll Create Happy Memories: Many of our fosters share stories of the joy, laughter, and love their temporary furry guests brought into their homes, even if it was just for a few days.

Fostering is a Great Way to “Test Drive” Pet Ownership

Are you considering adoption, but unsure if you’re ready? Fostering is a perfect way to get to know what pet ownership is like without the long-term commitment. In fact, short-term fostering is a great way to spend time with a specific pet you’re interested in before making the decision to adopt. You’ll get to see how they behave in a home, how they interact with your family, and whether they’re the right fit. Many of our foster families fall in love and become what is often called a “foster fail” but we like to say they’re “foster wins!”

How to Get Started Fostering

At MEHS, we make the fostering process as easy as possible and provide support throughout every step. We provide all the necessary supplies, including food, crate, toys, and litter, so there’s no additional cost to you. Our team is here to answer questions, provide guidance, and cheer you on every step of the way.

Interested in trying it out? Visit www.mehs.org/foster to fill out a quick foster application. Our team will work with you to match you with an animal that fits your lifestyle and comfort level.

Take a look at our adoptable animals and see if you can see a foster in your future: www.mehs.org/adoptables. Even one night can make a world of difference. Host a Slumber Pawty, take a Dogventure, or open your heart for a few days because fostering saves lives, and the next life you change could be your own.