Can I foster if I have pets? Everything you need to know

While pets can be a big benefit, the safety of both the child and the animal must always come first. As part of the fostering assessment, your pet will be included in what’s called a pet risk assessment.

This isn’t to “test” your pet in a scary way — it’s simply to make sure:

• They have a suitable temperament for being around children.
• They aren’t likely to be aggressive or unpredictable.
• They are up to date with vaccinations, flea and worming treatments.

Some animals may not be suitable for certain placements. For example, a large dog that’s nervous around loud noises might find it difficult living with a very energetic toddler. Equally, some children might have allergies or fears of certain animals.
The key is matching — we work with you to ensure the right child is placed in your home.

If you foster with pets, you’ll need to think about how your animal fits into the daily routines of a foster child. For example:

• Will the child be allowed to walk the dog?
• Are pets allowed in the child’s bedroom?
• Do you have safe spaces for pets to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed?

Children in care may not have had much experience with animals before, so you might also need to teach safe behaviour around pets — like not pulling tails, not disturbing a sleeping cat, and understanding that animals need their own boundaries.

Most common household pets — dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, and birds — can be part of a fostering household. More unusual or exotic animals will be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially if there are safety or hygiene concerns.

If you have a dog, we’ll ask for details about their breed, temperament, and training. Certain breeds banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act can’t be approved for fostering.

It’s not just foster children who benefit — pets can too! They may enjoy the extra walks, cuddles, and playtime. For some older pets, the company of a child can bring new energy into their lives.

And for you as a foster carer, having a pet around can make challenging days a little easier. Animals have an incredible way of lifting moods, bringing laughter, and helping a household feel warm and welcoming.

Having pets doesn’t stop you from becoming a foster carer. In many cases, it’s a bonus. With the right checks in place, pets can help children settle in, build confidence, and feel part of your family.

At Lika Family Fostering, we look at the whole picture — your lifestyle, your support network, and yes, your furry (or feathered) friends — to match you with a child who will thrive in your home.

If you’ve been thinking about fostering and have pets, why not take the first step today? We’d love to chat with you about how your four-legged family members could help change a child’s life.

Lika is a therapeutic fostering agency, rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Every decision we take is based on Systemic Family Therapy principles. That means relationships, openness and honesty are at the heart of everything we do. All Lika foster carers receive extensive training in Systemic Family Therapy principles and therapeutic parenting techniques.

It’s similar to the training a newly qualified social worker receives (although not quite as technical) — so you’ll be fully prepared for your first placement and be viewed as a professional foster carer in your own right.

Being a Lika foster carer means always receiving specialised and consistent support from our expert team of professionals.

Your support will include:

• 1 to 4 weekly supervisions with your supervising social worker to talk through and understand the needs of your young person
• 24/7 out-of-hours access to one of the Lika team, so you’re never unsupported if things feel difficult
• Access to Lika’s team of skilled and knowledgeable Systemic Psychotherapist Consultants and Systemic Social Work Practitioners, who are never stuck for ideas on how to support
• Virtual monthly foster carers support meeting, led and chaired by experienced foster carers
• Virtual fortnightly Therapeutic Family Consultations, facilitated by one of our psychotherapists and open to all our agency’s foster carers
• Membership to the National Association of Therapeutic Parents and The Fostering Network
• Life coaching for foster children, birth children and foster carers
• Our Mentor Support Scheme, which partners new foster carers with more experienced foster carers
• Free training for fostering support networks. (Your family and friends are welcome to join any of the training Lika offers.)
• Access to Lika’s support workers, depending on the level of need for the young person
• Access to Lika’s Educational Consultant, who can offer ideas and advocacy in supporting young people to achieve in education
• Help from Lika’s Systemic Social Work Practitioners/Therapists, who can undertake skilled direct work without waiting lists for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
• 14 to 21 days of paid respite (depending on complexity) to recharge your batteries and have some space for self-care.

If you’re in south or east London and you’re interested in becoming a foster carer, give the helpful team at Lika a call on 020 3370 0987. We’re here to answer all your questions.

We’re currently in: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Brent, Bexley, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, Westminster, Enfield, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Kingston upon Thames, Richmond upon Thames, Waltham Forest, Harrow and Essex.