Pets in the fostering home

Pet assessments are carried out for all pets in the household, including pets that would not typically be considered to be harmful; for example, even fish are assessed to ensure that the fish tank and fish food don’t present any risk of accidental harm.

Homes that have dangerous dog breeds would not be considered for fostering. 

Specialist pet assessments are completed for homes with 3 or more dogs (to ensure they don’t act as a pack and/or feel threatened when new members are introduced to the home).

The assessing social worker will visit the home and will check that the pet/s respond well to the social worker. If the social worker is uncertain about an animal’s behaviour, a specialist pet assessment would be carried out. It would be expected that pets have spent time with children before the fostering application and that the pet has always presented as comfortable and happy around children.