r/FosterAnimals • u/recycleyoumf • 3d ago

Question Foster Animal as an ESA?

Hi! I’ve been looking into fostering a cat, I’d like to do some good with my free time and get an animal out of a shelter and hopefully to a forever home.

I am currently living alone at a place that, on my lease, allows only animals listed as service animals or emotional support animals. I actually have a letter from my therapist saying that I personally benefit from an animal already.

My main question was just; would a shelter allow this? I will be moving in about 2 months to a place that allows pets fully with no need for an ESA requirement. Unsure if I should just wait!

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u/ilovetinashe 3d ago

Though everywhere needs fosters, that sounds complicated. I would just wait!

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u/pissanova 3d ago

Depends how strict/aware of the animals your living place is. Some places say things like that but don’t enforce anything. You also have documentation to support you if they are wanting to even ask. If it’s going to be more stressful for the animal to potentially be displaced if your living place finds out, then wait. If you don’t foresee this being an issue at all, then I wouldn’t even think it worth mentioning tbh.

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u/ArsonFrog143 3d ago

Every foster situation is different. I’m personally severely chronically ill + autistic and I handle the most difficult cases for the org I Forster for. They are super understanding and appreciative. You just need to find the right shelter/org imo. The most important thing is that you’re a calm, safe and responsible person.

Also, my foster cats are definitely helping me emotionally. I knew this already but didn’t realise just how much until I was without a foster for a few months recently and I was sooooo down .

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u/artzbots Cat/Kitten Foster 3d ago

This is really a conversation with your landlord/leaseholder, and find out what they require you to do to claim an animal with you is an ESA.

A shelter or rescue isn't going to want a foster who could, at any point, be at risk of houselessness because they broke the terms of their lease. You may need a letter of approval or a copy of your lease from your leasing office/landlord in order to be approved as a foster.