1 in 4 families in the UK own a dog, and nearly half of all families have some sort of family pet, so it’s no surprise that one of our most popular questions is "can I foster if I have pets?"
Many of our foster carers at Foster Wales Denbighshire have pets, which include cats, dogs, fish, horses and even lizards!
Having pets in a fostering home can provide huge benefits for the child or young person and does not prevent you from applying to become a foster carer with Foster Wales Denbighshire.
"Both the Children and dogs love running wild and free and if there is water or any mud involved, we all get soaked and filthy - we love it!" - Jayne and Ian, Foster Carers, Denbighshire.
As part of your fostering assessment, your pets will take part in their own pet questionnaire which will look at their temperament and behaviour and to think about how they might feel with someone new joining your home.
Dogs and cats, in particular, can have therapeutic benefits for children and young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs and can also encourage and help develop nonverbal communication. Fostering secure attachment: experiences of animal companions in the foster home (external website).
"Dogs and cats, in particular, can have therapeutic benefits for children and young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs."
Fostering memories with pets
We asked our pet fostering households to share some of their favourite memories of fostering with their pets.
Our Foster carers Dan and Barry have a cat called Cassie (also known as Stinky Minky!)
"When our young person was younger, he used to think that Cassie (the cat) could write cards as we use to send Christmas and birthday cards from the cat! Now he’s older, he knows that’s not true! However, it has become a bit of a tradition and a running joke so we still send them every year!"
Jayne and Ian Townson, who have 3 rescue dogs, added:
"We have lots of happy memories of days out with the children we have fostered and our dogs. We have been all over Wales with picnics, walks, balls and kites. The children and dogs both love to be running wild and free and if there is water or any mud involved, we all get soaked and filthy - we love it!"
"Pets are also brilliant ice breakers for children coming into a new foster home, especially for children who lack trust in adults. Jayne and Ian also said: "When we've had foster children come to us, our dogs have given so much love and attention to the children. It’s as if they can sense their fear and uncertainty and want them to help them through their first few days in their new home".
Over time children often develop positive feelings towards pets within their home Having the responsibility to help look after them can help children with their self-confidence and self-esteem. Pets can also help teach children valuable lessons such as trust, respect, compassion, and responsibility. When a child is included in caring for a pet, they also learn how to love, nurture and care for another creature as well as learning about commitment and consistency to the pet.
"It's as if our dogs can sense their fear and uncertainty and want to help them through their first few days in their new home" - Jayne and Ian
Our foster carers Vonda and Pete have a pet cat called Teddy who is nearly 4 and has spent his whole life being part of a fostering household.
"Teddy is an integral part of our family and we have noticed since having Teddy that he helps the children to relax and feel at home, and always manages to make them feel safe and secure. One child in particular insisted that she wanted Teddy to sleep in her room - we often found her on the bottom bunk and Teddy on the top bunk. They became the best of friends".
There are many benefits of pets in a fostering home. If you have a pet who you feel would be a great asset to a fostering household, why not speak to one of our team.
If you live in Denbighshire, contact your local Foster Wales Denbighshire team.
If you live anywhere else in Wales visit Foster Wales (external website) to find your local authority fostering team.