Many animals are trapped in shelters with no where else to go, and the only two options are adoption or euthanization! : /
Fostering animals can be a wonderful and rewarding experience. As I type this now, one of my fosters sits next to me purring, as my own, is on the other side of the couch sleeping.
Being a foster parent, you can choose what types of animals you would like to bring in. Some companies pay for everything (food, litter, or whatever else is needed), others, like the Humane Society, or your counties Animal services would need you to support them. You can buy a bag of dry food for as little as 7$ a month, if you are fostering cats, and need litter, just use some newspaper and shred some old papers.
Fostering is a good option if you cannot or do not want to make a long term commitment. Fosters can stay with you from as little as 1 week-8 weeks. You can choose from puppies/dogs, cats/kittens, birds, rabbits, or if you have a large property, even some types of farm animals!
If you have children at home, it can be a wonderful experience for them as well. It gives them a sense of responsibility and compassion in caring for another being. It helps to give them a connection to other creatures besides humans and helps them understand that other living beings also have needs for love, attention, and family environment.
Maybe you have a pet at home that is lonely and could use come companionship while you are at work. Or maybe you, yourself could benefit from offering love and care to a voiceless, helpless, loving creature.
If you think fostering or even volunteering would be right for you, please do an online search for a non profit organization or an animal shelter near you.
Here is the link to the Humane society of the U.S.
http://www.hsus.org/pets/
Thank you for your time and consideration :)
"Be the Change You Wish to See in the World" ~Gandhi