SAN DIEGO — The need for fosters is greater than ever as animal shelters across the San Diego County, California, and the nation are facing severe overcrowding challenges.
While opening up your home and time can be daunting to some, one Oceanside teen is highlighting how easy it can be to provide a safe and nurturing environment for animals.
Victoria Atchinson, a 16-year-old high school student, has cared for nearly 20 animals over the past year, with the help of her family. Dedicating her time to giving cats and dogs a loving home outside the shelter walls.
“I feel like it’s really important to help an animal and be able to let them live in your home and give them an option to like, learn how to adapt being around people," said the teen foster.
Atchinson is part of the Teen Foster Program at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. The program helps teens like her, and her family give animals the space, experiences, and resources they need when they go to new homes.
“It’s so rewarding be able to say, ‘I helped this animal'," said Atchinson.
“It’s like planting a plant and then watching it grow and thrive and when they get adopted that’s like, that’s your ultimate goal. And that part is what feels amazing," said her mom, Justina Kirkland.
The shelters work with foster prospects to figure out what their needs and requirements are, to determine the best fit for them.
Shelters everywhere are facing severe overcrowding issues, which is why fosters like Victoria are in such high demand.
While it may seem intimidating to take on the responsibility of providing for a pet, Victoria and her mom say the shelters work with you every step of the way, giving you everything you need at no cost.
“They’ll give you bedding, towels, they’ll give you carriers to carry them in and like you need anything ese, they’ll give it to you," said Atchinson.
“They provide everything. So, it’s like having a companion pet without having to pay for anything," said Kirkland.
The pair say fostering not only frees up critical shelter space, but also teaches you valuable life lessons.
“It’s taught so much responsibility, empathy, teaching like she said, time management. It really enforces the human-animal bond. Animals bring so much medicinal help too and companionship and love and so, as a family, fostering really brings our family together really shows teamwork and saves animals at the same time," added Kirkland.
While some bonds are stronger than other, Atchinson says fostering is worth it because it saves lives.
As the overcrowding crisis continues, she and her family hope more people will consider opening their homes, and hearts, for animals in need.
To learn more about how to become a foster visit your local Humane Society or animal shelter.
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