Animal Care Centers of New York City (ACC) is a nonprofit organization that is currently in need of foster homes for the approximately 600 animals available for adoption, most of which are cats and dogs. The greatest need for foster homes is typically among large-breed dogs, adult cats, and underage kittens, depending on the season. However, other animals such as guinea pigs and rabbits also require foster care.
One experienced dog fosterer with ACC is Jazmyn Blackburn, a Brooklyn native who is currently fostering a pit bull mix named Oyster. Oyster is described as a spunky and energetic pup who has been eager to learn different cues and commands. When Jazmyn first brought her home, Oyster was timid, but she has made great progress in her foster home.
For those considering fostering a pet for the first time, Jazmyn emphasizes the importance of understanding the time commitment involved. The initial three to four weeks, known as the decompression period, require a significant time investment to help the dog adjust to its new environment. Every dog has a different decompression period, so potential foster parents should be prepared to dedicate time and patience to their foster pet.
Fostering is not for everyone, and individuals should consider their lifestyle and preferences before committing to fostering a pet. The ACC works to match foster parents with dogs that have fewer behavior challenges to ensure a smoother transition into the home.
The length of time a pet spends in foster care before being adopted can vary widely. Some dogs may find their forever homes within a few months, while others may take longer. On average, foster dogs are adopted within four to six months, but there are exceptions to this timeline.
One of the benefits of fostering through ACC is that the organization provides food, veterinary care, and supplies for the foster pet. This eliminates the financial burden typically associated with pet ownership, making fostering a more accessible option for those interested in helping animals in need.
While fosters are not required to provide formal training for the dogs, Jazmyn believes that training is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. By rewarding good behaviors and ignoring unwanted behaviors, fosters can help their foster pets learn and grow in a positive way.
Foster “fails,” where fosters end up adopting their foster pets, are not uncommon. Many people who start fostering fall in love with their temporary companions and decide to make the relationship permanent. This is a testament to the bond that can form between humans and animals, and it is a beautiful outcome of the fostering process.
For those interested in learning more about fostering opportunities through ACC, including virtual foster orientations, visit the organization’s website for more information. Fostering a pet can be a rewarding experience that not only helps animals in need but also brings joy and companionship to the foster parent.
