Why Volunteering with Kids by Fostering Dogs and Kittens Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Kids

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard it before:
“Can we pleeeease get a puppy?”
“What if we just borrowed a kitten for a little while?”

What if there was a way to give your child that joy without making a 10+ year commitment? Today I’m telling you more about our experience fostering for Loudoun County Animal Services. This one is near and dear to my animal-loving heart.

My husband and I started fostering dogs (mostly large breeds like German Shepherds and pit bull mixes) back when it was just us in 2007. I’m a huge animal lover, and it was a dream of mine to simply have my house filled with them. Which we did, on occassion.

We had our own two large dogs when we had kids, and it was just too cramped to have more large dogs in the house. That’s when we started fostering kittens! We got an emergency call about a tiny orange tabby who was found in a parking lot. We called him “Tiny Kitten.” So clever, I know. He was just a few weeks old, barely able to eat canned food, and a total firecracker who chased our dogs around the house. It was honestly SO much fun and we were hooked on fostering kittens after that.

One of the benefits of fostering kittens is they don’t need a lot of room. A bathroom (or in our case a kid’s bedroom) is more than enough space. So if you think your house is too small, it isn’t! Loudoun County Animal Services also provides us everything we need, from food to toys to litter to a playpen (which we use if they’re tiny to keep them safe when they’re unsupervised). I also appreciate that there’s an end date to fostering; once they’re big enough to be spayed/neutered, they return to the shelter and then they’re on the adoption floor.

With that last part said, the most common reply I hear from people is that it will be too hard to let them go…you’ll get too attached. Yes, of course we get attached. They’re truly adorable and we have them for several weeks sometimes and they become part of our lives. But goodbye is the goal, as they say. And once they leave, the feeling in your home (and heart) really does just go back to normal. Plus, then we can have more! We pretty much always have kittens in our house and that’s only possible because we don’t keep any. Except the one we did keep, but that’s another story.

Fostering a dog or kitten is one of the most meaningful, hands-on ways to teach kids empathy and responsibility. And volunteering with kids through local animal rescue programs like Loudoun County Animal Services turns that experience into something even bigger: a chance to give back to your community together.

Here’s how fostering dogs and kittens through Loudoun County Animal Services can benefit your children in ways that go far beyond the cuddles.

Kids Learn Compassion Through Real-Life Connection

At Loudoun County Animal Services, many of the animals needing foster homes have had a rough start. Some are sick, others are scared, and many are just too young to be adopted yet. Bringing one of these animals into your home allows your child to be part of their healing journey. Our personal favorites are the spicy kittens, the ones who are scared or just kind of mean. First of all, you’re so fluffy and cute – why are you so mad?? It takes a little time but that moment when they’re not afraid anymore and they come to us purring is one of the best feelings in the world.

By volunteering with kids, you’re showing them what it means to care deeply for another living thing. They’ll learn to recognize when an animal is scared, when it’s feeling safe, and how their actions can make all the difference.

It Teaches Responsibility in a Way That Sticks

You can tell your child 100 times to clean up after themselves, but give them a kitten who depends on them for food, warmth, and care? Suddenly, they’re invested.

Fostering through Loudoun County Animal Services gives kids a sense of ownership and accountability. They’ll learn when and how to feed the animal, how to keep their space safe and clean, and why consistency matters.

Through these routines, volunteering as a family becomes more than an activity, it becomes a lifestyle of mindfulness and care.

Confidence Grows When They’re Part of Something Bigger

There’s something incredibly empowering about knowing you made a difference. Watching a nervous dog begin to trust or a tiny kitten grow stronger under their care can be a huge confidence boost for kids.

Foster programs through Loudoun County Animal Services provide support and guidance every step of the way, so your child feels like part of a team. That sense of belonging and purpose can be especially important for kids who struggle with anxiety or self-esteem.

They Get an Up-Close Look at Animal Behavior and Care

Not every child learns best through books. Some are hands-on learners and fostering is the ultimate real-world classroom.

Volunteering with kids through Loudoun County Animal Services introduces your child to animal body language and communication, growth stages and behavior patterns, and what signs indicate illness or stress. They’ll get to ask the professionals questions and observe daily changes.

It’s a Built-In Opportunity for Family Bonding

Fostering animals isn’t a solo job, it takes a team effort. That’s what makes it a perfect fit for families looking to spend more intentional time together.

When you sign up to foster through Loudoun County Animal Services, you’re saying yes to more family conversations, shared responsibilities, and working toward a common goal. Assign feeding duties, create a “puppy playtime” schedule, or build a cozy crate corner together.

Volunteering with kids becomes a shared mission, strengthening your bond along the way. In our house, the kittens live in my youngest’s bedroom. I help with the litter box and any medications if needed, but she’s responsible for their daily care ensuring fresh food and water everyday and all of their socialization, which is no small feat for a single kitten who needs ALL of her attention or a big litter of 6! It makes for the best conversations and we love sitting in her room together playing with the babies. Bonus: she has to keep her room clean.

Kids Learn the Power of Letting Go

This is for all of you telling me you’ll get too attached! Yes, fostering involves saying goodbye. Yes, that is a hard feeling. But it also teaches children one of life’s most valuable lessons: sometimes love means letting go.

Believe me, your family will learn to celebrate each adoption as a success story you helped write. You’ll love looking back and reminiscing about your favorite (or least favorite!) foster baby.

And when they see “their” foster dog or kitten happily matched with a new family? They’ll feel proud instead of sad. I promise.

Say it with me: goodbye is the goal.

It Encourages Creative Thinking and Problem Solving

Every animal is different, which means each foster experience is a little adventure. Some animals may need medication. Others might be scared of stairs, thunder, or the sound of the dishwasher.

This is where your child learns to:

• Observe and adapt
• Get creative with comfort or training tools
• Collaborate with family to find solutions

And don’t forget, the team at Loudoun County Animal Services will help you troubleshoot every step of the way, making it a safe space to experiment, learn, and grow.

Fostering Is a Way to Practice Kindness Without Pressure

Unlike adopting, fostering is temporary. That makes it perfect for families who aren’t ready for a full-time pet but still want to help.

By volunteering with kids through Loudoun County Animal Services, you can commit to just a few weeks at a time, long enough to make a difference, short enough to stay flexible with your schedule.

You don’t need a huge house, fancy supplies, or previous experience. Just a little space, a lot of love, and the willingness to try.

It’s a Gateway to More Community Involvement

Once you’ve dipped your toe into fostering, you may discover a whole world of ways to give back. Did you know Loudoun County Animal Services accepts “apprentice pairs” (parent and child) to volunteer inside the shelter? You can help the cats, small animals, and or dogs! We personally work with the dogs, and enjoy giving them time outside of their kennels to play in the yards. If you prefer not to work directly with animals, there’s always a need to do laundry, make enrichment toys, and so much else. You can even come read to shelter pets!

The Joy Factor Is Off the Charts

Let’s be honest: kids love animals. The snuggles, the playtime, the silly habits…foster animals bring joy and laughter into your home.

Whether your child reads bedtime stories to a kitten or teaches a puppy to sit, they’re making unforgettable memories. And when you foster through Loudoun County Animal Services, you know you’re not just adding joy to your home, you’re giving joy to an animal who needs it most.

How to Start Fostering with Loudoun County Animal Services

Step 1: Visit the LCAS Website

Go to the official Loudoun County Animal Services site to learn more about their foster program. They list animals in need, explain the application process, and provide training for new foster families.

Step 2: Complete a Foster Application

Most applications are quick and straightforward. Be honest about your availability, pet experience, and home setup so LCAS can match you with the right foster.

Step 3: Get Your Home Ready

Create a quiet space, gather supplies (LCAS provides everything you need), and let your kids be part of preparing for your new guest.

Step 4: Keep in Touch

LCAS provides ongoing support, health check-ins, and adoption coordination. Your family won’t be alone in this, you’ll have a whole network cheering you on.

Why Fostering Dogs and Kittens Through Loudoun County Animal Services Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Kids

Fostering through Loudoun County Animal Services is one of the best ways to nurture your child’s compassion and build family memories. Whether you’re looking to teach responsibility, encourage empathy, or simply bring a little extra joy into your home, volunteering with kids through fostering offers it all.

So next time your child asks, “Can we get a puppy?”
You just might say:
“Let’s foster one from Loudoun County Animal Services instead.”