Shelter offers short-term foster options for students
After moving off campus, many college students would like the companionship of a pet but lack the financial or long-term stability to own one. Pets Inc., a local nonprofit animal rescue and adoption center, now offers a solution for such conflicted animal lovers.
The West Columbia center runs a foster-care program that depends on volunteers, such as college students, in order to function.
This program allows them to rescue more animals beyond the space available at the shelter. It also gives animals that are not house trained or accustomed to people an opportunity to receive training and increase their chances of adoption.
Fostering is an opportunity for college students to have a pet without the added cost and lifelong commitment. The foster parents can choose which animals they foster, from kittens and puppies to adult cats and dogs.
Pets Inc. provides all the necessary supplies and veterinary care for each foster animal. It also ensures that the volunteers are matched with animals that are appropriate for the environment. No volunteer is given an animal he or she cannot handle or support.
Fourth-year pharmacy student Kayla Baker has been fostering for Pets Inc. for the past year and enjoys knowing she is helping a good cause.
“I can’t commit to owning a pet for its lifetime, but by fostering I can have a pet while helping it prepare for its forever home,” Baker said.
In the past Baker has fostered a litter of kittens and several adult cats, but her most memorable foster pet was a hairless dog named Homer.
“I only fostered him for a short time, but I really enjoyed being able to train him and teach him how to live with a family,” Baker said. “He had been at the shelter since he was a puppy; I was glad to give him a home and individual attention.”
Individuals interested in becoming a foster parent must fill out a form detailing their housing arrangement, such as house or apartment, and indicating what type of animals they are willing to foster. Pets Inc. will then contact them match them a pet that fits their lifestyle.
Pets Inc. is located at 300 Orchard Drive, West Columbia, and is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday noon to 8 p.m.