While fostering can warm your heart and give you a sense of purpose, it can also be a valuable teaching tool and life lesson for your children. The benefits of families fostering animals can enrich your child’s life beyond their peers and give them the empathy, communication and leadership skills they need to succeed in life. It’s a great way to grow closer as a family through service to your community. 

We asked our current fosters how fostering has affected their children – here’s what they had to say!

“My 5 year old is starting to understand the happiness that comes from being kind to someone without expecting anything back.” – Sarah

“When my son was younger, he struggled to communicate his feelings. My child has since learned to play and take care of puppies and kittens. One day, while I was playing with our foster kittens, he came up to me and put his hands in my face. I asked him what he was doing. He said, ‘I’m trying to play with you the way you’re playing with the kittens.’ I learned so much from that experience. He has learned why we need fosters. He has learned that some animals need to be taken care of because their mom is gone and we need to help.” – Terri

“They learn compassion and a sense of responsibility.” – Aimee

“My children have learned the selfless act of caring for something small and weaker. Saving a life is a powerful experience for a child.” – Tommie

“They see how much animals need us! And the love and care we provide makes them happy and healthy!” – Angie

“My son has enjoyed the important role of being a temporary angel for animals.” – Holly

“My girls have learned compassion and endless love. We have adopted our first foster…but hopefully one day soon, we will begin fostering again.” – Brenda

When you foster for the SPCA of Texas, you’re saving a life. The life lessons for your and your children are invaluable and irreplaceable. We’re so proud of all of our fosters that have opened their hears and their homes to animals in need.

If you’re interested in becoming a foster for the SPCA of Texas, you can apply at spca.org/foster. To view the animals that currently need foster homes, go to spca.org/fosterme.