Foster A Pet Month - Shannon

🐾 Calling all animal lovers! Did you know that it's Foster A Pet Month? 🎉 This wonderful month shines a spotlight on the incredible act of fostering and its impact on animals in need. Fostering goes beyond just saving lives; it creates temporary havens filled with love and care for pets patiently waiting for their forever homes. To commemorate this special occasion, we're thrilled to share the heartwarming stories of three exceptional foster carers (with three separate blogs) who embarked on their incredible journeys. So, let's dive right in and be inspired by how they've made a difference, one furry friend at a time!

Shannon, Full time worker for the RSPCA & Foster Parent To Cats

MA: What inspired you to become a foster carer for pets, and what do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of fostering animals?

Shannon: I really enjoy helping animals and being able to do it at home as well. A lot of cats find rescue centres stressful so having them at my home helps them so much. My first foster cat we were able to adopt after as my husband and I fell in love with him.

MA: Fostering pets can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it can also be challenging. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start fostering pets, and what qualities do you think are important for a successful foster carer to have?

Shannon: An open mind. Sometimes some cats unfortunately don’t become accustomed to living inside/around people and it can be better for their mental health to be put to sleep. It doesn’t happen a lot, but not all fosters have a happy ending sadly.

MA: What have been some of the most memorable experiences you've had while fostering animals?

Shannon: Socialising a feral kitten. By the end of her stay with me, she’d gone to completely unhandled/injuring people, to loving being stroked!

MA: Last question, anything else you would like to add?

Shannon: It’s very rewarding but can take a chunk out of your day looking after them, especially if they’re unsocialised. Kittens, especially if you’re hand rearing!

Want to learn more from the RSPCA and how you can help? 

Instagram: RSPCA