Can you foster children if you have pets?

There is speculation that you cannot become a foster carer if you have pets. We are here to tell you this is a myth! You can absolutely foster if you have pets.

What pets can I have if I want to foster children?

You can have most animals as a pet if you want to become a foster carer.

This includes reptiles, cats, dogs, horses, and even rodents. No matter the size of the animal, as long as they aren't harmful, all pets are accepted and encouraged in fostering households.

What pets aren't acceptable in a foster home?

Some dog breeds are on the dangerous breeds act, as these types of dogs are bred for fighting. Some reptiles can be harmful to humans if they are venomous and some animals can become easily aggravated making them aggressive towards children and adults.

All pets are risk assessed by your Assessing Social Worker to determine whether they are suitable to be around children or not.

Watch the video below of our Supervising Social Worker, Scarlett, talk about having pets when you become a foster carer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHRUBcV-zVM