Purina sponsors foster care research

New research sponsored by Purina, led by Dr. Lauren Powell, Ph.D., a researcher and lecturer in animal welfare and behavior at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, sheds light on the motivations behind animal foster caregiving and the mutual benefits for both humans and shelter animals. With over 6 million animals entering the U.S. shelter system annually, foster care programs have become vital for reducing animal stress and increasing adoption rates.

Key Findings from Dr. Powell's Research

Motivations of Foster Caregivers

• Demographics: Foster caregiving is most common among younger individuals, with distinct motivations across age groups:
  • Ages 18-29: Often seek companionship, emotional support, and community connections through fostering. This group views fostering as a potential step towards adoption.
  • Ages 30-39: In addition to companionship and emotional support, this group values the physical activity associated with caring for pets and appreciates the temporary nature of fostering
  • Ages 50+: Primarily motivated by the benefits to the shelter animals rather than personal gain
• Pet Ownership Status & Species Differences:
  • Non-Pet Owners: More likely to foster for companionship and emotional support or to avoid the full-time responsibility of pet ownership
  • Pet Owners: Often do not seek the same emotional benefits from fostering, as they already have pets
  • Dog vs. Cat Foster Caregivers: Dog foster caregivers are motivated by companionship and exercise, while cat foster caregivers typically have no such expectations

Impact on Quality of Life and Wellbeing:

• Quality of Life: While fostering did not significantly improve mental wellbeing, many participants reported enhanced quality of life due to the love and companionship provided by their foster animals
• Adjustment Post-Foster Care: Despite some experiencing grief when their foster animals left, the majority adjusted well and were willing to foster again

Retention Rates:

• An impressive 86% of foster caregivers expressed a willingness to continue fostering, emphasizing the positive impact and sustainability of foster care programs

About Purina's Commitment to Research

As part of the Purina Sponsorship for Human-Animal Bond Studies, Purina funds up to $30,000 per project for research that explores the human-pet bond. With nearly 500 pet nutritionists, veterinarians, behaviorists and other credentialed pet experts on staff, Purina invests over $100 million in research annually, leading to groundbreaking innovations that help pets live longer, healthier lives.

For more information about Purina and their ongoing research, visit Purina.com.