Why The Bond Between Foster Carers and Their Dogs Matters

Why The Bond Between Foster Carers and Their Dogs Matters

As January ushers in Dog Walking Month, it's the perfect time to highlight the impact of the relationship between a dog [or pet] and a young person. Foster carers have a unique bond with their dogs – and it can enhance the emotional well-being of both the foster carer and the children/young people they support. Over 50% of foster carers in the UK own a dog, which is much higher than the national average of 28%.

So, why do foster carers have such a deep connection with dogs, and indeed pets in general? The relationship between foster carer and dog goes beyond shared affection; it’s about the numerous benefits that having a dog in a foster home can bring to children and young people. In this article, we explore why dogs are often such important members of foster families and how they can contribute to the positive development in particular of young people.

The Growing Role of Pets in Foster Care

Perhaps foster carers are drawn to animals because they understand the emotional rewards that come with caring for another living being. For children and young people in foster care, many of whom have experienced trauma or neglect, the presence of a dog can offer a sense of stability, comfort, and security.

The idea that “a dog is a child’s best friend” holds particularly true for children and young people who experience trust and attachment issues. The unconditional love and acceptance of a pet can can be incredibly therapeutic for children or young people.

The Emotional and Therapeutic Benefits

Dogs are known for their ability to improve mental health in humans, and this is especially true for children and young people who have experienced emotional turmoil. A study by the University of Liverpool found that children and young people who interacted with animals showed significant reductions in anxiety and an improvement in their overall emotional well-being. The calming presence of a dog can help children feel safe and supported, enabling them to open up in ways they might not with humans alone.

Just physically petting a dog can lower stress hormones like cortisol and bring on feel-good hormones like oxytocin, which can help regulate emotions. For children or young people who have had difficulty forming bonds with people due to past trauma, a dog can act as a “bridge” to developing trust and confidence.

Building Trust and Emotional Intelligence

A powerful way that a dog can support children or young people in foster care is by helping build trust. Dogs offer a non-judgmental, reliable presence that doesn’t demand anything in return. The routine of dog care – feeding, walking, grooming – can create an atmosphere of stability and responsibility.

Dogs can help develop emotional intelligence. For a child or youhg person who may have been in situations where emotion needed to be supressed, a dog can unlock empathy and compassion, all while offering comfort.

A Dog Can Bring Healing.

Many foster carers have shared stories of how their dogs have played an integral role in helping children and young people heal. Fi has been a respite foster carer with Blue Sky for almost four years - though she prefers to use the term 'mini-holiday' rather than respite. She lives with her wonderful dog Bella, as well as the very calm Magic Mittens, her cat. She recounts, 'A young person staying with me had social anxiety, so he wasn't comfortable around a lot of people. I needed to be very mindful as to what he could manage and cope with. But he came with a little pink and white worm toy for Magic Mittens and played with her and Bella all weekend long. The young person said he’d love to come back. He loved Bella and Magic Mittens. I’ve said to my Supervising Social Worker that Miss Bella Cinderella needs to be on the Blue Sky Fostering payroll, because she's the most amazing therapeutic dog!'

'Miss Bella Cinderella needs to be on the Blue Sky payroll because she's the most amazing therapeutic dog!'

She adds, ' I have another young person who dearly loves Bella Cinderella the. Watching them together you can really feel their connection. Bella nestles into her arms and enjoys the adundant hugs and kisses that the young person feels safe to express to her best friend without fear of judgement or rejection.'

Dogs can play a special role in the healing process for children and young people, helping them to feel loved, secure, and understood.

The Role of Foster Carers in Dog Care

Foster carers often juggle multiple responsibilities, supporting the emotional needs of children whilst simultaneously managing multiple life commitments. Many also take on the responsibility of caring for pets, particularly dogs, who require daily attention, exercise, and love. While the care of a dog can be demanding, it also brings immense joy and satisfaction to foster families.

Dogs can bring additional demands, but they also bring a sense of balance and companionship. They may also provide an opportunity for the foster carer to model positive behaviours, such as kindness, patience, and empathy, to the children and young people in their care.