The Many Reasons to Foster a Pet
get a glimpse into animal fostering from these locals
All three of the Chippewa Valley’s animal shelters reported this fall that they were overflowing with pets in need of homes. For folks who aren’t in a position to provide a forever home for these animals, fostering one until a permanent placement is available can be an attractive option. We interviewed three pet foster parents to find out why they do it.
Foster Pet: O’Cedar
Foster Parents: McKenzie St. Claire & Ryan Wirtanen
Animal Shelter: Eau Claire Community Humane Association, Eau Claire
Why are you pet foster parents?
We chose to become foster parents because we believe in the incredible work shelters do to care for animals, and we know they are often stretched to their limits. By fostering, we help shelters extend their capacity, giving more cats a chance at loving homes. For the pets, fostering provides a safe, comfortable environment where they can socialize, adjust to a home setting, and escape the stresses of shelter life. For us, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience — our three cats, one of those three being a foster fail, love having new playmates, and it’s heartwarming to help these animals transition to their forever homes. Plus, who can resist the joy of having adorable kittens around?
What is O’Cedar like?
O’Cedar has such a fun and unique personality! He plays hard to get, but deep down, he loves snuggles and attention from people — so much so that he’ll often start drooling during petting sessions. He adores his furry foster siblings and spends a lot of time chasing them around the house. We frequently find him perched on the cat tree gazing out the window or enjoying fresh air in the outdoor catio. O’Cedar is also quite the communicator. He isn’t shy about letting you know how he feels with his expressive meows!
Foster Pet: Gem
Foster Parent: Aysia Romer
Animal Shelter: Chippewa Humane Association, Chippewa Falls
Why are you a pet foster parent?
I have always been an animal lover and started working with animals at 18 and am 26 now. In the last few years I started working in animal welfare and experiencing firsthand the amount of animals in need of help is absolutely heartbreaking. Shelters often struggle with space, and fostering allows for shelters to help more animals by opening up another kennel. It allows for shelters to get more knowledge on animals’ behavior in a home setting that they would not otherwise know. It also allows for the animal to be housed in a calmer environment. Personally, it is rewarding to be able to take an animal from a stressful environment and give them a space to open up.
What is Gem like?
For a senior Gem has so much energy and is full of personality. She is always on the move and absolutely loves running in the grass. She loves cats and dogs and is always wanting to make friends to play or cuddle with.
Foster Pet: Kreuger
Foster Parent: Trinity
Animal Shelter: Dunn County Humane Society, Menomonie
Why are you a pet foster parent?
I’ve always had a passion for animals for as long as I can remember, so fostering is a great opportunity for people like me that enjoy the company of animal companions, and want to help at the same time. Kreuger wasn’t thriving at the shelter, and was originally presumed to be feral, as the environment can be very stressful and overstimulating for some cats. As soon as I took him home for foster, he was noticeably more relaxed within minutes, and definitely benefited from the change in scenery.
What is Kreuger like?
Kreuger is quite the character. He can be a nervous guy in new spaces, but he’s so nosy and inquisitive, immediately eager to check out new things. His favorite thing of all time is easily food, as he never fails to remind me when it’s feeding time. He also enjoys catnip, gazing out the window, playing with my two other cats, and laying on a comfy lap.
Being a foster parent is extremely rewarding, and the local shelter here makes it very easy. They give their fosters all the necessary resources for the foster pet, such as food, blankets, and toys, as well as great information on the animal(s) and how to best care for them.
Are you interested in learning more about fostering animals? Get in touch with the Eau Claire Community Humane Association, Chippewa Humane Association, or Dunn County Humane Society to learn more.