Is it better to adopt a fostered animal instead of one left in a shelter - and i

1. 81

   Ardieposted 11 years ago

   Is it better to adopt a fostered animal instead of one left in a shelter - and if so, why?

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   DS Dubyposted 11 years ago

   Either one is a great thing as long as you love the animal.

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   Larry Fieldsposted 11 years ago

   Other things being equal, it's better to adopt a fostered rescue dog. The foster 'parents' will have had time to evaluate the dog. For example, does he chase cats. That would not be a consideration for me, because I'm allergic to cats. But cat-chasing could be a deal-breaker for some potential adopters.
   
   Other potential issues include exercise requirements, jumping up on small children, pulling on leash, getting along with other dogs, counter-surfing, barking, digging, and chewing. If you adopt a fostered dog, you're more likely to get a pet whose temperament is consistent with your lifestyle. A shelter dog would be more of a 'pig in a poke'.

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      Ardieposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great answer Larry So you're saying a pet who is fostered will have more behavior and background info because it has lived with a family.  That makes sense to me!!

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   writer20posted 11 years ago

   Jeepers! I'm thinking of adopting a rescued dog and never thought about the comments below. Joyce.

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      Ardieposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Joyce I am thinking about getting another dog.  I love the one I got from the shelter several years back - but he was only a pup then.  He didnt have any bad habits to unlearn.  Im leaning towards a foster this time so I can get an older dog

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   nickibreposted 11 years ago

   There is not a simple answer to this question.  It depends on the shelter you are adopting from.  The shelter I work with is very good at evaluating the dogs and temperament testing them to see how they are in all different situations.  The one situation we cannot test on is children, for safety reasons.
   
   Those that are in foster care are normally housebroken, and have learned some manners.  The foster family can tell you their exact temperament and all their quirks as to what they don't like and what they they do like.
   
   On the other hand, lots of the dogs in the shelters have been surrendered by their owners and could very well be house-trained, obedience trained, good with other dogs and cats, etc.
   
   It really depends on the shelter.  I would tell you to do your research and if you see a pet you want to adopt from the shelter, the shelter should give you some alone time with that pet to get a feel of what kind of temperament they have.

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      Ardieposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Excellent info Nickibre.  I get the idea all dogs are created equal - in terms of being foster dogs or shelter dogs.  Thank you so much for answering this question.  I will be sure to do way more research before I choose ANY dog.

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      nickibreposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great!  You have the basics of adoption in perfect line.  All dogs are created equal, it's humans that make them become what they are in the end, whether good or bad   Good luck!

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   Sarra Garrettposted 11 years ago

   Actually, most fostered animals are from shelters.  They are fostered  out because they are adoptable but may have some small issues or have been real sick and need to recooperate.  The foster parents train the animal and love it and turn it into an awsome pet.  By adopting these pets you are not only helping the pet you are helping yourself to a life long friend.

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   Arahullposted 11 years ago

   In my opinion its better to adopt a shelter animal than a fostered one the reason is that the sheltered needs someone who can take proper care , which they haven't got in their life hence it is just opposite in fostered animals as they are habitual of getting proper care and other health suppliments ,which sheltered animals can't even dream in their life

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