Adding a dog to your home can bring you a lot of joy. And fostering a dog can be a really rewarding experience. In some cases, you might even get paid to foster dogs. Of course, you shouldn’t foster just for the money. But if you’re looking for a way to offset the cost of getting a dog then this might be an option to consider.
Reasons to Foster Dogs
Even if you do get paid to foster dogs, you’re not going to get rich this way. Therefore, the money isn’t the reason that you should foster a dog, even if it helps clinch the decision for you. Here are some great reasons to foster dogs:
- Many dogs that would do great in homes don’t display well in the shelters. Therefore, you might save a dog’s life by taking them in until they find their forever home.
- You get the joy of having a dog for a little while without the commitment of keeping them for their entire lives.
- It’s a great way to see if having a dog is right for you. Many foster families end up finding the right dog and adopting them eventually.
- If you already have dogs, sometimes a foster dog is great for them. Plus your dog can help teach them “how to dog.” Be aware that not all foster organizations allow people with dogs in the home to foster.
- It’s a great way to raise puppies. If you don’t want to breed a dog, taking in a pregnant mama dog is a terrific way to have the experience of raising puppies.
- You might foster a dog for a family that has fallen on hard times. It’s rewarding to care for their pet until they’re back on their feet.
Get Paid to Play with Dogs – Become a Rover Dog Sitter Today!
Can You Get Paid to Foster Dogs?
Of course, dogs are expensive. They need food, snacks, toys, and bedding at a minimum. Moreover, they may cause damage to your home that costs you out of pocket. And if you decide to travel with them, or to pay a sitter when you travel, then that can cost extra as well. It certainly helps if you can offset the cost somehow, which might be why you’re wondering if you can get paid to foster dogs.
Reimbursement, Not Payment
There are exceptions to every rule but the short answer is that you don’t get paid to foster dogs. However, you might be able to get reimbursement for some of your costs.
Depending on the organization through which you foster, you may receive reimbursement for some or all of the pets’ following needs:
- Vet visits
- Medicines
- Food, especially if the dog requires a special diet
Many people take interest in caring for sick or old animals. However, the cost may be prohibitive. This reimbursement helps.
Typically the organization has a process through which you submit receipts for reimbursement. In some instances, the organization may be able to cover unusual expenses such as travel costs or replacing a damaged item in your home. In the case of travel, they may be able to place the foster dogs with another coster family while you’re away, so you don’t have to pay sitter fees.
Do remember that most rescue organizations rely on donations. Therefore, they may have restrictions regarding their ability to reimburse you.
Alternative Way to Get Paid to Foster Dogs
If you want to foster dogs, you’ll typically go through an organization. But you might also arrange a private foster dog situation, in which case you can definitely get paid to foster dogs.
Sometimes people need to place their dogs away from home for a period of time, even though they love the animal. Reasons might include a new baby that’s taking up a lot of time, difficulties with another pet in the house, or extended travel. If they have the resources, they may be happy to pay you to foster their dogs until the situation changes and they can take the animal back.
Your best bet if you want to try this route is to set yourself up as a legitimate petsitter. Make sure that you also offer in-home boarding. Then spread the word to all potential clients that you’re also interested in short or long-term fostering for pay.
Things to Think About Before You Foster Dogs
There is a reason that not everyone fosters dogs. It’s a joyful, rewarding experience, but it’s not always easy. Foster dogs might come with a variety of different issues. Here are some things to think about:
- Are you ready to house train?
- Do you have the time and resources to keep a dog exercised and attended to?
- How will you feel when it’s time for another family to take the dog to its forever home?
- How will the dog impact each member of your family, including other pets, in both positive and negative ways?
- What do you hope to get out of fostering a dog?
- What requirements does the foster organization have? And does your landlord or HOA have any restrictions?
Fostering a dog is great. If you can get paid to foster dogs, that’s even better. But there’s a lot to think about!
Read More:
- Why Do You Need Dog Insurance?
- Save Money on Pet Ownership with These Tips
- 9 Great Ways to Make Extra Income That Don’t Take Too Much Time
Kathryn Vercillo is a professional writer who loves to live a balanced life. She appreciates a good work-life balance. She enjoys balance in her relationships and has worked hard to learn how to balance her finances to allow for a balanced life overall. Although she’s only blonde some of the time, she’s always striving for total balance. She’s excited to share what she’s learned with you and to discover more together along the way.