Can I foster if I have pets in Wolverhampton?

Pet ownership is considered as part of the household and safeguarding assessment, rather than treated as an automatic barrier to fostering. The key question is whether the animals, the home environment and the proposed care arrangements can meet a child’s individual needs safely.

During the assessment, you should expect to discuss:

• the type, age and number of pets in your household;
• how each animal behaves around children, visitors and unfamiliar situations;
• any history of aggression, biting, chasing, guarding food or showing anxiety;
• where animals sleep, eat and spend time in the home;
• how pets are supervised and managed during busy or stressful periods; and
• their veterinary care, vaccinations and general health.

Your fostering assessment may include information from a veterinary professional or another suitable source where this is needed to understand a pet’s health or behaviour. If an animal has previously caused harm, displays concerning behaviour or cannot be managed reliably around children, this will need careful consideration. It may affect the type of placement considered, require additional safety arrangements or mean that fostering is not suitable while the animal remains in the household.

Dogs often receive particular attention because their size, strength and behaviour can create specific risks, but all animals are relevant. Cats, rabbits, reptiles, birds and other pets may also need consideration. Even a normally gentle animal can react unpredictably to noise, sudden movements, changes to its routine or a child entering its space.

Children who need foster care may have allergies, fears of animals or previous experiences that affect how they respond to pets. Some may struggle to recognise an animal’s boundaries, while others may deliberately test them because of their age, development or past experiences. Matching information should therefore include the pets in your home, and a placement may not be suitable if a child’s needs and the animal’s circumstances conflict.

Safe arrangements commonly include keeping animals and children separated when they cannot be directly supervised, using secure doors, stair gates or other suitable barriers, and ensuring pets have a quiet area where they will not be disturbed. Children should not be expected to feed, walk or handle an animal without appropriate adult oversight. You may also need clear rules about food bowls, toys, sleeping areas and contact with animals.

These arrangements form part of safer caring practice and should be followed consistently by everyone in the household. They may need to change as the child settles in, the pet’s behaviour changes or new information becomes available. Any incident, near miss or significant change in an animal’s behaviour should be reported to the fostering team so that the safety plan can be reviewed.

Before applying, make an honest record of your pets’ routines, training, medical history and behaviour around children. Consider whether you could maintain separation when necessary and whether every household member would follow agreed boundaries. The local fostering team can explain what information is needed and help you understand how your individual circumstances will be assessed.