Can I foster if I have pet?

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by Katie Wright | 1st Jun 2021

Pet ownership does not automatically exclude anyone from becoming a foster carer in fact the presence of animals in foster homes can be of real benefit and in certain cases can have a positive and therapeutic effect on children and promote positive behaviour.

Some pets can also potentially pose a risk to children and the implications presented by ownership of any type of pet will be assessed on an individual basis to ensure that the children’s welfare is protected at all times.

Whilst pets can be beneficial within fostering households, equally it is important to understand that pets can also become the object of a foster child’s frustrations and suppressed anger. As part of our comprehensive matching process, we will be able to ascertain whether a pet, will be helpful or hurtful to a foster child depends on a thorough knowledge of the history of both the child and pet concerned.

Applications to foster will not be considered from anyone who owns a pet that is registered or required to be registered under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976., or from anyone who owns any breed of dog that is registered or required to be registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991/1997 e.g., Pit Bull Terriers.