One year ago, I moved from Bergen county in New Jersey to Naples in Florida. Relocating to Naples gave me a lot of free time compared to the fast paced lifestyle in the New York area. After moving to Florida, my beloved cat died so I decided to use the extra time to help and to become an animal foster volunteer for the Animal Humane Society on top of my work at the Hertz corporation.

The Animal Humane Society of Naples is a no-kill pet shelter, adoption center and veterinary clinic. I contacted them and completed an online form to join the organization.

After one week I received my first little fur family: 6 adorable newborn kittens and their mother. During a year I helped multiple families of 2 to 8 kittens, a pregnant cat, an adult dog, an adult cat and had an extensive life experience!

After one year as volunteer, here are the top 5 reasons to become a foster:

1. You love animals





The most important reason is always Love. There are newborn kitties and puppies, pregnant mothers, pet recovering from surgery, some of them are sick, scared and alone. You will need to feed them, treat them and entertain them. They need to feel that they are loved and protected.

2. You want to save lives





You love all animals; you want to save lives but you can't adopt them all.

Fostering an animal is a temporary mission from one week to 2 months and more. By taking animals into your home you provide them with a safe place to rest and grow while giving them additional time to find a permanent home.

One important thing to know is that you are helping a no-kill shelter to free up spaces when you foster. By fostering a family of kittens or puppies you allow the shelter to save the life of another animal family!

3. You want to help animals





Kittens and puppies can be in very bad shape due to multiple reasons: sickness, infection, vaccination, weak immune system. They need help on a daily basis.

By providing daily care with medications, you are helping them to get back in shape and increase their chances to get adopted.

Sometime you also have to support a pregnant animal and have to prepare for the birth. This is an amazing experience and journey for you and the animal!

4. You like challenges





Having newborn kittens or puppies at home can be a challenge but it's always a necessary step to help animals. Some of them are sick and you will have to coordinate with the organization veterinary on a daily basis to know what type of support is required. You could have to give them food supplement or antibiotics to fight an infection. Some animals are not eating and you could have to use a syringe to feed them. You are responsible for their life and their wellness: Prepare to experience emergencies and to act quickly!

5. You want to develop new skills





Supporting animals will help you to develop patience but also to be more active.

As a foster parent you will have to adapt to different animals and behaviors: Some of them are very shy, scared, calm and others are fun, excited and crazy!

Kittens and puppies have sometime no parents so you will have to be patient. The skills you will develop will go from observation, to creativity and adaptation. Fostering animals is a relaxing and a calming therapy. Puppies will always take a nap with you and Kittens will purr for hours. Ideal to relax after a day of work!

Get a new experience this year and help animals! Contact today your local shelters, you will find new opportunities to become a foster volunteer !

The local staff and veterinary are amazing, they will support you during all steps.

"You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you"

John Bunyan

If you like this post, comment on and share it!

You might also like the below articles:

Author: Benjamin Arnulf

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminarnulf/