There are many benefits of pets in a fostering home. Whether they are fluffy, furry or even scaly, studies show that contact with animals has significant benefits for the mind. Pets are a furry form of therapy who can help children and young people that we care for.
Having pets does not prevent you from applying to become a foster carer with Foster Wales Conwy. In fact pets can bring great benefits to a foster home. Lots of our fostering families have a range of pets from cats or dogs, to hens, rabbits and even snakes!
Every animal is unique and different in their own way. Your pets are an important part of your fostering journey, and fostering household. Your pets will take part in their own ‘Pet Questionnaire’ which looks at their temperament and behaviour. It is also essential to think about how your pet might feel with someone new joining your home.
what are the benefits of pets in a fostering home?
Pets, in particular dogs and cats, can have amazing therapeutic benefits for children and young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs, and can encourage development of non-verbal communication.
Studies show that animals can help children navigate through challenges of settling in to a new foster home, by providing them with feelings of safety and security. Animal bonds have been shown to support psychological well-being across a range of children and young people, including those with disabilities. There are a lot of benefits of having pets within a fostering home.
Fostering secure attachment: experiences of animal companions in the foster home
Heather, a foster carer for Foster Wales Conwy, shared that her cat Jac and the child she cares for are:
“true partners in crime”
A child Heather cares for loves to share toys and games with Jac and is entertained by Jac when he climbs the curtains or gets stuck in the Christmas tree!
pets are great ice breakers!
Pets are also brilliant ice breakers, particularly for children who lack trust in adults. By seeing a pet being cared for by an adult, it enables a child to assess whether the adult providing the care to the pet is trust worthy.
Gwen, a foster carer with Foster Wales Conwy, recognises the benefits of pets in a fostering home, and says that one of her foster children was fascinated by their pet chickens, and still talks about them years later!
“She would love to feed them, water them and look out for any eggs!”
Gwen speaks of how children who come to live with them benefit from and love looking after and petting the chickens.
“I think they are calming creatures and help to soothe children”.
Over time the child may also develop positive feelings for pets within the home, or if they are allowed have their own pet, and this can help contribute to a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence. Pets can teach children important and valuable lessons such as compassion, patience, responsibility, respect, empathy and trust. When a child is included in the care giving of the pet they can also learn how to love, nurture and care for another creature. As well as learning about consistency and commitment to the pet.
Part of your fostering journey could include supporting a child to move on from your care. We have heard how pets can support our fostering families through this difficult process. Our foster carer Gwen tells us that her dog Pegi has helped their family through “feelings of loss, sadness and grief”.
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!
