Why foster? Effingham Commissioners explains how it can help shelter pets

SPRINGFIELD, Ga. (WSAV)—The Effingham County Board of Commissioners (ECBC) is trying to educate residents on the benefits of fostering pets for Effingham County Animal Shelter and its animal occupants.

“Pet fostering involves taking care of a homeless animal for a short period,” the ECBC Facebook post said, “offering it a safe and loving environment. This helps the shelter manage its space and resources better.”

Here’s a list of benefits the pet fostering can have that the ECBC provided:

• Alleviates shelter overcrowding: By taking in shelter pets, space is freed up, allowing the facility to accommodate more animals in need.

• Reduces stress for animals: The shelter can be noisy or stressful. Fostering offers a quieter, more comfortable place for pets to relax and thrive.

• Increases adoption rates: Fostered pets often become more adoptable as they receive individual attention, socialization and training in a home environment.

• Saves lives: In some cases, fostering can prevent euthanasia by providing temporary homes when the shelter reaches capacity.

The Effingham County Animal Shelter and its Savannah-based partners, One Love Animal Rescue, Renegade Paws Rescue and Coastal Pet Rescue, believe in communication and are always available to assist pet foster parents, the ECBC said. They also said that they will provide anything that their animals may need, including leashes, collars, crates and medicine.

The ECBC also said that foster home agreements must be signed before a foster parent candidate can take in a pet and brief training is required.

If you are interested in getting involved in the local foster network, contact the Effingham County Animal Shelter at 912-754-2109 or animalshelter@effinghamcounty.org.