Fostering Pets: A Lifeline for Animals in Need at the Animal Care Centers of NYC
The Animal Care Centers (ACC) of New York City is currently home to approximately 600 animals, with a significant number of them—primarily cats and dogs—available for adoption. However, many of these animals require temporary foster homes before they can find their forever families. Fostering not only provides a safe haven for these pets but also plays a crucial role in their socialization and readiness for adoption.
The Need for Foster Homes
The ACC highlights that the greatest need for foster homes typically involves large-breed dogs, adult cats, and, depending on the season, underage kittens. However, the call for foster care extends beyond just dogs and cats; small animals like guinea pigs and rabbits also require nurturing environments. By fostering, you can make a significant difference in the lives of these animals, helping them transition to a more stable and loving environment.
Meet Oyster: A Foster Success Story
Brooklyn native Jazmyn Blackburn is an experienced dog fosterer with the ACC, currently caring for a spirited pit bull mix named Oyster. In a recent interview with WNYC’s Michael Hill, Jazmyn shared her experiences and insights into fostering.
“Oyster is a very spunky and energetic little pup,” Jazmyn explained. “I’ve had her in my care for about six weeks, and she’s been great at learning different cues and commands. When I first got her, she was pretty timid, which is common for many dogs when they first enter a new home. I’m looking forward to finding the right person for her.”
Understanding the Time Commitment
Fostering a dog requires a time commitment, especially during the initial weeks. Jazmyn describes the first three to four weeks as the "decompression period," where the dog adjusts to its new environment. This phase is critical for helping the animal feel comfortable and secure in its new home.
“Every dog has a different length of time for its decompression period,” she notes. “Fostering really isn’t for everybody. You need to assess your lifestyle and ask yourself some key questions. Do you have time to take in an animal? What kind of animal is best for you?”
For those who work during the day, a cat or a lower-energy dog might be a better fit than a high-energy puppy.
Duration of Foster Care
The length of time a pet stays in foster care can vary significantly. Jazmyn shared that her first foster dog was with her for about 14 months, while others have been adopted within three to four months. On average, she estimates that fosters can expect to care for a pet for about four to six months before they find their forever home.
Financial Considerations
One of the most appealing aspects of fostering through the ACC is the financial support provided. The organization supplies food, covers veterinary care—including emergency services, regular checkups, and vaccinations—and provides basic equipment like harnesses, leashes, toys, and bathing supplies.
“This makes fostering accessible to a wider range of people,” Jazmyn explains. “It’s one of the best incentives to foster over adopting. When you adopt, you’re responsible for all the expenses of your pet.”
For those who wish to invest in additional training tools or enrichment activities, that’s entirely optional and up to the foster parent.
Training Responsibilities
While fosters are not required to train their dogs, Jazmyn believes that training is an essential part of responsible pet care. “Training can take many forms,” she explains. “It can be as simple as rewarding good behavior with treats or praise, or ignoring undesirable behaviors to teach the dog that they won’t get attention for those actions.”
This approach helps dogs learn and adapt to their new environments, especially in bustling urban settings like New York City.
The Joy of Foster Fails
Many foster parents experience what is affectionately known as a "foster fail," where they end up adopting the pet they were initially fostering. Jazmyn acknowledges this phenomenon, stating, “We’re social creatures. People love dogs, and when you bring one into your home, it’s easy to fall in love. If it’s a good match, then by no means is foster failing actually a failure. It’s a beautiful outcome.”
Getting Involved
For those interested in making a difference in the lives of animals in need, fostering is a rewarding option. The ACC offers virtual foster orientations to help potential fosters understand the process and what to expect.
To learn more about fostering and to get involved, visit the Animal Care Centers of New York City website.
Fostering not only saves lives but also enriches the lives of those who open their homes to these animals. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or a first-time foster parent, your contribution can help pave the way for a brighter future for countless animals in need.