Yes. Many foster carers have pets and successfully foster children and young people. In fact, for some children, animals can provide comfort, companionship and a sense of security during a difficult time in their lives.
At South Gloucestershire Council, we welcome applications from pet owners. Having a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig or other family pet won’t automatically affect your ability to become a foster carer.
Do pets stop you from fostering?
No. Many of our foster carers have pets as part of their family. Animals can help children feel more relaxed and settled, especially when they are adjusting to a new home and new surroundings.
What matters is that your pets are well cared for, have a suitable temperament and can safely live alongside children.
Why are pets beneficial for children in care?
For many children, pets can offer:
- Comfort during times of change
- Opportunities to build trust and relationships
- A calming influence during difficult moments
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Responsibility and routine
Our children and young people in care have even told us that spending time around animals can help them feel calm and safe.
One young person said:
“We’re not asking for a pet (though that would be lovely), but being around animals helps us feel calm.”
What pets can foster carers have?
There’s no list of approved or banned pets.
Many foster carers have:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Rabbits
- Guinea pigs
- Fish
- Hamsters
Every household is different, so we’ll consider your individual circumstances during the assessment process.
Will my pets be assessed?
Yes. As part of the fostering assessment, we’ll gather information about any pets living in your home.
We may consider:
- Your pet’s temperament
- Any history of aggression
- How your pet behaves around children
- Living arrangements within the home
- Veterinary care and vaccinations
This helps us ensure your home is safe for both children and animals.
What about dogs?
Dogs are often a valued part of fostering households.
During the assessment, we’ll discuss:
- The breed and size of your dog
- Training and behaviour
- How they interact with adults and children
- Access to outdoor space
Most dogs aren’t a barrier to fostering, but we need to understand how they fit into family life.
Can caring for a pet help children?
Often, yes.
Looking after animals can help children develop:
- Confidence
- Empathy
- Routine
- Responsibility
Something as simple as walking a dog, feeding a rabbit or playing with a cat can help children feel included and connected within a family.
What support will I receive?
When you foster with South Gloucestershire Council, you’ll receive:
- A dedicated supervising social worker
- 24/7 support
- Ongoing training
- Access to Mockingbird support networks
- Therapeutic support through WAYPOINT
- Regular coffee mornings and support groups
- Family events throughout the year
We’ll help you think about every aspect of your household, including any pets, throughout your fostering journey.
More questions about fostering?
This article is part of our Fostering FAQs Hub, where you’ll find answers to other common questions, including:
- Can I foster if I’m single?
- Can I foster if I have children?
- Can I foster if I rent my home?
- Can I foster if I work full-time?
- How much do foster carers get paid?
- What support do foster carers receive?
View all Frequently Asked Questions.
Could you foster?
If you’d like to find out more about fostering with South Gloucestershire Council, we’d love to hear from you.
If you’d like to find out more about fostering with South Gloucestershire Council, we’d love to hear from you.
Call: 01454 866423
Email: foster@southglos.gov.uk
All fostering enquiries are handled first by our partners, Fostering South West (also known as the regional hub). The hub brings together enquiries for all local authorities across the South West. They aim to contact you within two days of your enquiry for an initial chat to help you decide whether fostering is right for you. If it is, the hub passes your enquiry to us (South Gloucestershire Council), and we support you through the rest of your fostering journey.
