Fostering When You Have Pets
Having pets doesn’t stop you from becoming a foster carer. In fact, many children benefit from living in a home with animals.
Pets can offer comfort, companionship, and a sense of calm during a time of change. What matters most is that your pets are well cared for, safe around children, and part of a stable home environment.
Fostering with pets can be a wonderful experience for both the child and the animals in your family.
Can you foster if you have pets?
Yes. You can foster if you have pets, and many foster carers do. Dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals can help children feel
welcome and settled, especially if they are feeling anxious or unsure.
During the assessment process, we look at:
- Your pet’s behaviour and temperament
- How your pet responds to new people
- Any safety considerations
- How you manage routines and boundaries
- Whether your home environment feels calm and secure
The aim is to ensure that both the child and your pets feel safe and supported.
How pets can help children in foster care
Pets can play a positive role in a child’s emotional wellbeing. Many children find comfort in animals because they offer:
- A calming presence
- Unconditional affection
- A sense of routine and responsibility
- A non-judgemental companion
- Opportunities for play and connection
For some children, spending time with a pet can be the first step in feeling safe and building trust.
What we consider during assessment
To make sure fostering is safe for everyone, we’ll explore:
- Your pet’s behaviour around children
- Any training your pet has had
- How you manage feeding, exercise, and boundaries
- Whether your pet has regular vet checks and vaccinations
- How you would introduce a child to your pet safely
This isn’t about judging your pet—it’s about understanding how your household works and ensuring the right match for a child’s needs.
Supporting children who may be nervous around animals
Not all children have lived with pets before. Some may feel unsure or frightened. As a foster carer, you can help by:
- Introducing pets slowly and calmly
- Explaining routines and boundaries
- Showing children how to interact safely
- Giving them time to build confidence
- Respecting their feelings and pace
We’ll work with you to match children to homes where they will feel comfortable.
When pets are a great match
Pets can be especially helpful for children who:
- Feel anxious or overwhelmed
- Have experienced loss or separation
- Struggle to express their emotions
- Benefit from sensory comfort
- Enjoy caring for animals
A gentle dog, a calm cat, or even a small pet can help a child feel grounded and connected.
When pets may need extra support
Some pets may find change difficult too. We’ll help you think about:
- How your pet copes with visitors or new routines
- Whether they need quiet spaces
- How to manage feeding times and boundaries
- Ways to keep both the child and your pet safe and relaxed
Your pet’s wellbeing is just as important as the child’s.
Why fostering with pets matters
A home with pets can offer children:
- Comfort during a difficult time
- A sense of normality and routine
- Opportunities to build confidence
- A warm, welcoming environment
- A chance to experience positive relationships
Your pets can become an important part of a child’s healing journey.
Thinking about fostering when you have pets?
If you have a loving home and caring pets, fostering could be a meaningful way to support children in your community.
Our team will guide you through the assessment process, help you understand what to expect, and make sure fostering works well for both your family and your animals.