A Heartfelt “Failure”: Why Foster Fails are Anything but a Loss for Animals and Volunteers

by Jon Scaccia December 23, 2024

If you’ve ever fostered a pet—or know someone who has—you’ve probably heard the term “foster fail.” It describes when a foster volunteer falls so in love with their foster animal that they adopt them permanently. But is this heartwarming act of compassion truly a “failure”? According to recent research, the answer is a resounding no.

This blog explores the findings of a survey-based study on foster fails and highlights how adopting foster pets can benefit animals, volunteers, and animal shelters alike. Whether you’re a foster newbie or a seasoned pet advocate, read on to discover how foster fails might actually be wins for everyone involved.

The Truth Behind Foster Fails

In a study of 947 foster volunteers, researchers set out to understand the prevalence of foster fails, who is most likely to adopt their fosters, and how this impacts shelters. Here’s what they found:

• Prevalence: About 38% of foster volunteers had not adopted a foster pet in the past decade. However, another 38% had adopted one or two animals, while 24% had adopted three or more.
• Volunteer Profiles: Volunteers most likely to adopt were older, retired, female, and already owned cats. Those with strong emotional attachments to their fosters, particularly in place of human relationships, were also more likely to adopt.
• Shelter Impact: Far from limiting their ability to foster, volunteers who had foster fails often fostered more frequently, had longer tenures, and reported greater satisfaction with their shelter experience.

Instead of being a loss for shelters, foster fails seemed to create resilient and dedicated volunteers who remained active in animal rescue work.

Why Foster Fails Happen

The top reason for foster fails? Love at first sight. Volunteers reported they couldn’t bear to part with their foster animals because:

• They fell in love with their foster pets.
• Their foster pets seemed exceptionally happy in their homes.
• Some foster pets had medical or behavioral issues that made them harder to adopt elsewhere.

These findings reflect how deeply volunteers bond with their fosters, which can enrich their lives while creating a stable, loving environment for the animal.

Why Foster Fails Are Wins

Contrary to concerns that foster fails might discourage volunteers from fostering again, this study suggests the opposite. Here’s why foster fails are a win-win:

• For the Animal: Foster fails ensure pets are placed in homes where they’re already thriving. This reduces the risk of behavioral issues or being returned to a shelter.
• For the Volunteer: Volunteers who adopt their fosters often report greater emotional resilience and satisfaction with their fostering experience. Pets provide companionship and purpose, which can boost mental health.
• For the Shelter: Shelters benefit from volunteers who continue fostering even after adopting. These volunteers are typically more experienced and committed, making them valuable assets to rescue organizations.

Actionable Tips for Pet Owners

If you’re considering fostering—or have already fallen for a furry houseguest—here are some tips to guide your journey:

1. Foster with an Open Mind

While it’s natural to get attached, remember the ultimate goal is to prepare the pet for their forever home. That said, if you find yourself unable to say goodbye, don’t feel guilty—your love might be exactly what the pet needs.

2. Communicate with the Shelter

Let the shelter know if you’re fostering with the possibility of adoption in mind. This can help them match you with a pet whose needs align with your home and lifestyle.

3. Focus on the Pet’s Needs

Some pets require special care due to medical or behavioral challenges. If you’re fostering such an animal, work closely with the shelter to ensure they receive the support they need.

4. Reflect on Your Limits

Before adopting a foster pet, consider whether your household has the resources and space to welcome a permanent addition.

Changing the Narrative Around Foster Fails

One of the most striking takeaways from the study is that “foster fail” is a misnomer. These adoptions represent a deep bond between pets and people, creating positive outcomes for everyone involved. Perhaps it’s time we rename this phenomenon to reflect its true nature—a “foster win.”

Shelters and rescues could also benefit from rethinking their messaging. Instead of discouraging foster fails, they might celebrate them as part of a successful foster program, balancing the needs of volunteers and the animals they care for.

Share Your Pet’s Story

Have you ever fostered a pet—or experienced a foster fail? We’d love to hear from you!

• What was the most rewarding part of your foster journey?
• How do you cope with letting go of foster pets?
• What advice would you give to someone considering fostering for the first time?

Comment below or share your story on social media to inspire other pet lovers.