Thinking about being a Foster Momma

[Margaux L]

Hi Everyone!

While it is perhaps a mite too soon to bring a new bun home as we are still missing Milo, I am already thinking of who the next bun(s) will be.  I was thinking about fostering at the moment.  Since so many places are in need of help from rabbit-savvy people and I have room enough and inclination to help, it seems like a nice thing to do.  

I was thinking fostering because it could be a potentially less long-term thing as well.  One of the foster groups I briefly looked into said a 6 week commitment in fact.

However, I gather that it may not be as easy as that and a 6 week commitment could easily turn into “keep that rabbit since there is nowhere else for it to go.”

Does anyone have much experience with fostering–mental preparation needed, good foster groups to look into (NJ/NYC area) and watch-outs etc?

I was also looking into Hurricane Sandy fosters but so far have only seen cats and dogs available.

Thanks so much all!

Margaux

[jerseygirl]

I think this is a wonderful idea!

With the six week commitment, is that a minimum amount of time one is expected to foster? Or they rotate rabbits between carers and shelter every 6 weeks?

Another option is to look into rabbit sitting for people. There may even be people effected by Sandy that could use a sitter. Say if they are having repairs done and are worried about it upsetting their rabbit(s).

[Sarita]

I would contact the NYC chapter of the House Rabbit Society:

http://www.rabbitcare.org/contact.htm

I guess I would just ask them what their expectations are and let them know what your ready to commit too to see if that is feasible.  Be willing to discuss all your concerns that you mention as well.  Hopefully they will be upfront and honest about what their expectations are as well.

[Malp_15]

My big thing with fostering, is that I need it guaranteed that if anything suddenly changed in my life or I just couldn’t handle that certain animal anymore, that I could bring it back to the shelter within 24 hours. I’ve fortunatelty never needed to use that option in the past, but I feel more comfortable knowing that I can.

[Monkeybun]

I just brought home 2 fosters today, a lovely pair of girls. Fostering can be greatly rewarding, and helps the rabbits greatly. it gets them used to a home environment, and gets them much more socialized than most shelters would have time for. It definitely helps the rabbits out emotionally, and lets their personalities really blossom. I highly recommend it, if you decide to go that route. Sometimes it can be a long term thing, so be sure to be prepared for that possibility.

[longhairmike]

i would rather have 10 pens full of bunnies than have my sister’s kids over here for another week.

[Hokankai]

I fostered for several months before I actually hunkered down and adopted one. I’ve fostered two pregnant mamas and their kits, as well as another rabbit who needed to be shaved and they wanted her to grow some fur back.

It was an awesome experience! My fosters were actually my first experiences with rabbits and each had its ups and downs. Both mamas I got were pregnant without the shelter knowing and had more babies while in my care…which was stressful but I had a lot of fun.

One thing is to be prepared for everything. Each rabbit is going to be different and have different quirks. Be prepared to get fosters that you can’t stand and ones you don’t want to leave. I ended up adopting one of the babies I raised from birth, which has been a wonderfully rewarding (and challenging) experience.

I never had any trouble returning rabbits when I needed and I don’t see why that would happen? They can’t not take their rabbits back. I fostered for a humane society where I lived.

[Margaux L]

Thanks so much for the tips everyone!
I am looking into a local rescue I found last week–maybe start small volunteering with them where I can and then talk to them about fostering needs and expectations!

[RabbitPam]

Sounds like a great plan. I also think it’s a great idea to foster due to the hurricane. You might just look into acting as a liaison between shelters that have had bunnies dropped off with them and the rabbit rescues who know how to arrange for foster care. I imagine that those Sandy shelters are a bit overwhelmed and may not be sure exactly how to care for bunnies. They may need some assistance. I’d call or walk in unless you’re all set with this rescue. (And it seems like a good way to see if you’re ready to take fosters home yet, or just like caring for them at the rescue as a volunteer.)

[Margaux L]

I handed in my application to a rescue organization today!

I put in my name for Fostering Sandy pets but apparently all the buns are A-OK. I had also had found a bun up for adoption that looked promising and sweet but was 8, and so I felt like it wouldn’t be wise to set myself up for what could be a very short-term and/or expensive situation. I am a little gun-shy perhaps….

So anyway…very excited to see what happens next! And to get some fuzzy-loving soon!

[Sarita]

Can’t wait to hear all about your new foster.

I understand your trepidation about fostering a senior – I have 3 seniors who are 10 years old and I find them to be so easy to manage and so easy going too. I really love my senior rabbits but they do have some dental problems that requires quite a bit of vet visits.

As for expenses, would the rescue organization not take care of any vet care?

[tanlover14]

Yay! So excited to hear about any fosters you may have coming in!

I love all the great stories all the fosters seem to have!

[Margaux L]

I got my first foster on Saturday!

He is ADORABLE–a lionhead (8 or 9 month old) boy bunny who is so sweet and very inquisitive. Alas, he is so adorable, they posted him on Saturday and already got an application (and it looks like a good adopter)! So that is great news for him, but sad for my husband and I who love him already.

We are really loving having a bun in the house–especially a young, ramBUNctious one.

If I can figure out how, will post some pics–he is extremely handsome (and I am not just saying that).

Ahhhhh!

[Sarita]

That’s wonderful! Can’t wait to see photos :~)

[Margaux L]

I am such a proud foster momma!  (And also, a new user of picstictch ha!)

[Sarita]

Oh, he’s adorable!

[jerseygirl]

Oh-My-Goodness! What a spunk! Lol

[Author]

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