How Do I Introduce my Foster Pet to My Current Pets?

Congratulations on your decision to start fostering! Once you're approved as a foster home for a shelter or rescue group, you will likely sign a Foster Care Agreement, receive foster care instructions, and pick up your foster pet, along with any supplies. If you have signed one, be sure to ask for a copy of your foster agreement. If you're fostering through a shelter, a date may be set for returning the animal(s) to the shelter or the length of the foster arrangement may otherwise be determined. The adoption organization will often times supply the following items:

• Pet's information or medical history sheet
• Leash and collar
• Medical directions, and any prescription food or medicines (if needed)
• ID tags and rabies tags (if applicable)

 

Young Children

Always introduce children slowly to the new pet to determine the compatibility and the attitude of the foster pet towards children. Even after the initial introduction, ALWAYS have an adult supervisor around when your child is with the foster pet.

Foster Kittens and Puppies

Be certain your pets are up to date on their vaccinations.

Direct interaction between older foster pets and your healthy, vaccinated pets is totally at your own risk and some rescues or shelters may require that you keep them separated. There is always a chance that puppies or kittens could transmit illness to your pets or that your pets could get puppies or kittens sick. The same is true with the mother of the litter and your pets. Some recommend keeping your foster pets separate from your own pets for 7 – 10 days.

The Foster Dog and your Cat

If possible, ask the shelter to cat-test your new foster dog at the shelter before bringing him or her home. If the dog is known to not be friendly toward cats, it will be better for all parties if you do not take him or her home. Once you've brought the dog home, let him or her settle down and get comfortable with the new surroundings before you attempt to introduce your cat. Keep them in separate rooms until then. Have the dog on a leash when you bring the cat into the room. The dog will be curious about this new animal and want to sniff. Keep both parties calm and separate them at the first sign of stress. Indifference is good. Remember: a cat sitting still in your arms is not as entertaining as a cat bolting away from the dog. It is normal for a dog to attempt to chase any animal if it runs; this can be discouraged with training.

The Foster Dog and your Dog

Take your dog to the shelter and introduce him to your new foster there. The shelter is a neutral meeting place, this makes it easier to establish a rapport between your dog and the new foster. Once you bring the foster home, keep both dogs on a leash until you have seen how they will interact in this new setting. The key is to go slowly and supervise until both animals are comfortable with each other.

The Foster Cat and your Cat 

Cats are territorial, and they need to be introduced to other animals very slowly. Moving slowly during the introduction process increases your chances for success. Some cats will always be more social than others. A slow method can prevent fearful and aggressive problems from developing. Confine your foster cat to one room with a litter box, food, water and bed until he or she is comfortable. After several days, you may leave the door open a crack so the foster kitty can interact with the resident pets under your supervision. You can also try feeding your current pets on the other side of the door from the new kitty. Doing this will create positive associations with the new cat's smells. Gradually move the dishes closer to the door until your pets can eat calmly while standing directly on either side of the door. If either animal becomes fearful or aggressive, separate them and start the introduction process once again with a series of very small, gradual steps, as outlined above.

Dog Body Language to Look for:

Good signs: upright ears, tail is relaxed and mobile, face is relaxed.

Play bow:  front feet set far forward, ears pricked, and head held with eyes forward, mouth slightly open in a “grin.”  Puppies especially will shift weight to their back legs and paw at the air.  These are both ways of saying, “We’re just playing, not too rough now.”

Bad signs: ears are down/back, tail is tucked down or stiff, face is stiff or lips are pulled back.