5 Reasons to Foster a Puppy

In the last few months, people all over the country have stepped up and joined the movement to #StayHomeAndFoster. While we couldn’t be prouder, there is still work to be done! We are on the cusp of puppy season, and shelters hope to find foster homes for them too.

We could go on and on about how cute and cuddly they are, but we came up with five other reasons why fostering a puppy is GREAT!

It’s the perfect pick-me-up!

Did you know that petting an animal has proven to provide health benefits? It’s true! Scientists agree that a dog really can make you happier. If social distancing has got you feeling a little disconnected or lonely, fostering a dog can help!

In addition, fostering a puppy will keep you from boredom! Instead of rewatching that show you’ve seen 100 times, you can get some fresh air and go for a walk and some puppy training.


You’ll help out your shelter!

Puppies need special attention, and in crowded shelters, they often don’t get it. By fostering a puppy, you are giving it the attention and care it needs to grow until they are ready to be adopted permanently.

By providing your foster puppy one-on-one attention, you and the shelter will know more about the dog’s behavior and personality. This will help the shelter learn any behavioral issues or triggers and help them find the perfect forever family.

Not only will the future forever family know its new pet’s quirks, likes, and dislikes, but the dog will be used to being around people and possibly other pets. This will help make the adoption process much easier on the forever family and the pup.


It will save lives

Fostering helps shelters and rescue organizations save more homeless pets by keeping space open. Rescues or shelters at capacity can’t take in more animals, leaving them minimal choices. By fostering a puppy, you are making room for older or injured pets that may need the space and the staff’s attention.

It’s a valuable teaching opportunity

Nothing teaches responsibility like taking care of a puppy. Kids at home can take this time away from school to learn about caring for pets, compassion, and community.

Though it’s not just the humans doing the learning! This is the perfect time for a pup to learn where their bathroom is, what is a chew toy and what is not, and other fun tricks!

You might fall in love

Often foster families become “foster fails,” and that’s a good thing! Raising an animal creates a bond no one can break, and your family might fall in love with your puppy. So instead of a foster family, you might become the pup’s forever family!

In the end, fostering a puppy is a rewarding experience like no other. During this social distancing period, we encourage you to #StayHomeAndFoster.

#StayHomeAndFoster is a national campaign to support pet foster created by GreaterGood.org in partnership with NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations’ Clear The Shelters™ campaign and sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. Their support makes this program possible.