Dog companionship has tremendous health benefits for humans
(the science says so)

There are profound health benefits that stem from the bond between humans and dogs. So many of our supporters express barriers to pet ownership, like college students unsure of their future moves and older adults who worry about long-term ownership given their health conditions.

Companion Animal Fostering Has Entered The Chat.

A perfect, mutually beneficial alternative? Fostering. Fostering aids rescues and animals, but also promotes the well-being of individuals, families and communities.

This practice aligns perfectly with the principles of health promotion outlined in the Ottawa Charter and is further enriched by the indigenous model of health known as Te Whare Tapa Whā, which focuses on the four inter-related dimensions of health: physical, mental, social, and spiritual.

Physical & mental wellbeing

The wellbeing of human and non-human animals is interconnected. The benefits for dogs are evident: fostering addresses capacity issues in shelters, decreases disease transmission, reduces euthanasia rates, and increases adoption rates. Physical wellbeing in humans is also documented. In fosterers surveyed in recent research by Reese, nearly all agreed that fostering dogs “added to their happiness, and most felt that interacting with their foster animals helped them stay healthy.” In addition, there was a sense of accomplishment and joy when foster animals thrive and are adopted.

With the growing mental health crisis in higher education and in older adults, we see that fostering offers an opportunity for fosters to find physical wellbeing in caregiving and mental wellbeing with the companionship, affection and love shared.

Social wellbeing

The health of the individual is not separated from the health of the collective.

The research on fostering benefits social relationships is limited, but there is literature on social ties creating a sense of community with other fosterers. This is particularly beneficial to older adults who often live alone, where the value of this community support is higher. For older adults or individuals facing barriers to pet ownership, fostering provides companionship without the long-term commitment, reducing feelings of loneliness and depression. Moreover, the joy and satisfaction derived from nurturing a furry friend can significantly improve one’s overall quality of life.

Spiritual wellbeing

Fostering lets you be a part of the change in the community now. Te Whare Tapa Whā provides a lens to consider purpose and contributions to community as a dimension of health and wellbeing. By alleviating the burden on overcrowded shelters, fosterers play a crucial role in improving the overall welfare of homeless animals. Additionally, fostering fosters a sense of empathy and compassion within communities, promoting a culture of caring and responsibility towards all living beings.

Companion animal fostering is not just about providing a temporary home for a dog in need; it’s also a profound act of health promotion that transcends boundaries and enriches lives.

Are you ready to foster…You know, for your health and wellbeing? After all, the love and joy they bring are immeasurable, for both humans and animals alike.

Research from: Roseveare, C., Breheny, M., Mansvelt, J., Murray, L., Wilkie, M., & Gates, M. C. (2023). Companion Animal Fostering as Health Promotion: A Literature Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(13), 6199. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20136199