Fostering and the Human-Animal Bond : A Guide for Companion Animal Foster Care Providers and Shelters

Fostering and the Human-Animal Bond: A Guide for Companion Animal Foster Care Providers and Shelters delves into the profound connection between humans and animals in animal fostering. Faced with capacity challenges, shelters often struggle to maintain animal health and welfare, sometimes leading to euthanasia. By examining various facets of the fostering experience, it provides essential information to improve volunteer recruitment and retention, ultimately benefiting both the animals and those who care for them. This comprehensive guide, written by an animal welfare expert, integrates interdisciplinary research from animal behavior, welfare, volunteerism, social work, and psychology. The book explores methods to enhance the emotional well-being of foster volunteers, their coping mechanisms, and the overall welfare of the animals, making it an invaluable resource for shelter professionals, foster coordinators, researchers, and students in related fields with its practical advice and insights to support and improve the fostering experience.