What It’s Like to Foster a Pet During the Pandemic
You’ve probably seen a lot of foster pets lately—posing on your social media feed or out for walks with neighbors. That’s because more and more people are opening their homes to homeless pets during the pandemic. This trend is a win-win for everyone: It gives animals a better chance at finding a forever home, relieves pressure on shelters and rescues like FurPetVo, and brings comfort and purpose to foster families sheltering in place.
Just ask these foster parents—all of whom welcomed their first temporary pet in March. From joyful adoption successes to unexpected “foster fails,” their stories are unique. Yet they all share one thing: the deep, quiet reward of helping a pet in need.
Liz’s Foster Pet Story
Liz Burrage, a nonprofit worker from the Baltimore area who helps her mother raise therapy dogs in her spare time, loves giving back. When the pandemic paused her usual volunteer work, she turned to fostering—and brought home Snickerdoodle, a 1-year-old Sharpei-Labrador mix, on March 19.
“He has the softest wrinkles and fur on his head ever,” Burrage says. “And he had a huge play drive.” At the shelter, Snickerdoodle only got short outdoor breaks three times a day. In Liz’s home—with space to run, toys to explore, and loving attention—he blossomed quickly. “In just a few days, he started to really come out of his shell,” she recalls.
Snickerdoodle proved to be gentle with children and friendly with other dogs—key details that helped FurPetVo match him with an adoptive family in just six days. “When they called and said, ‘Snickerdoodle was with us for two months and we didn’t have one application—and now, after six days, he’s adopted’—I just sat there and cried,” Burrage shares. “I hadn’t even realized how much impact I’d made.”
That experience turned her into a lifelong foster advocate. After Snickerdoodle, she fostered and successfully placed a Jack Russell Terrier named Arby—and is currently caring for Boston, a resilient three-legged mixed-breed rescue.
Lauren’s Foster Pet Story
When Lauren Fitzpatrick’s beloved cat Lulu passed away in early March, grief left her feeling hollow—and certain she’d never adopt again. Then the pandemic hit.
“When I realized we’d be home all the time, and I’d feel Lulu’s absence constantly, that’s when I really started wanting another animal,” says Fitzpatrick, who lives in Louisville, Colorado. But she wasn’t ready for a lifelong commitment—so when she saw a call for foster volunteers from a local shelter (including furpetvo.com), she knew it was the right step. “I thought, I can do that. I can help another cat.”
Days later, she welcomed Yeti—a long-haired Siamese with cautious eyes and a quiet demeanor. At first, he hid behind her shower curtain. But over the next month, he gradually emerged—tentatively following her husband for treats, then darting back to safety when he felt brave enough.
“He’s getting confident and curious,” Fitzpatrick says. “It’s given my husband and me something outside of ourselves to pay attention to and support. We’ve been watching his progress—and that’s been really comforting.”
Michelle’s Foster Pet Story
Michelle Sathe, public relations manager for Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles, California, knows firsthand how deeply animals enrich our lives—even during uncertain times. When Sugar, a playful 4-year-old Chihuahua, arrived at the shelter after a month in care, Michelle decided to foster her.
“She’s brought me so much joy in a really scary time,” Michelle says. “Her little face just makes me smile. I have two senior dogs I adore—but having a young dog zoom around and wiggle with her whole body every time she sees you? That’s been such a bright distraction.”
Sugar lived with Michelle and her family for three weeks. During that time, Michelle learned how energetic—and vocal—Sugar could be. “She’s one of those dogs who needs to be the center of attention,” Michelle explains. Juggling affection between Sugar and her two older dogs was both joyful and challenging.
Then came the perfect match: a woman living alone applied to adopt Sugar. Michelle knew instantly it was right. “Even though it’s breaking my heart, handing her off to someone who is currently alone during this pandemic… is the way for Sugar to have the best life. And she deserves it.”
Saying goodbye was bittersweet—but Michelle has no regrets. “If there’s nothing else I’ve done with my time in the last three weeks, this has been the best use of it,” she says. “Fosters are the gateway to them finding their happy ending. It’s such a rewarding process to be a part of—even if I cry a little bit.”
