How To Foster a Child With Exotic Pets In The House: Do’s and Don’ts

When choosing to become a foster parent, the addition of a pet into the family dynamic can come with many benefits. Commonly, people think of dogs, cats, maybe rabbits, guinea pigs or even hamsters. But these little furry friends aren’t the only option. 

When fostering in England, there are a number of exotic animals allowed in households, ranging from reptiles like snakes and lizards to birds such as parrots, and small mammals like ferrets. Some may require special considerations to ensure the safety and well-being of both the foster child and the pets. 

Interestingly, 5% of UK households own a reptile. With 800,000 reptiles in the country, this means 1 in 20 households own a pet reptile, safely and happily. So, if you already have one and are looking to become a foster parent, good news, you 100% can. Read on, as we uncover exactly what classifies as an exotic pet, how to foster a child when you have one in the household and the next steps to get started on your journey! 

What Classifies As an Exotic Pet?

When we think of pets, the first animals that come to mind are often the more traditional ones—dogs, cats, maybe a rabbit or two. But the world of pets is far more diverse, especially when you’re fostering in England, where the definition of a household pet extends far beyond the ordinary. An exotic pet is any animal that isn’t typically found in the average home, often hailing from unique and sometimes wild origins. These can range from reptiles like snakes, lizards, and turtles, to amphibians such as frogs and salamanders. Birds, too, make the list, especially those of the more vibrant and rare varieties like parrots, cockatiels, and macaws.

Small mammals, like ferrets, hedgehogs, and even certain species of rodents, are also considered exotic. What they all have in common is that they often require specialised care, from diet and habitat to handling and health needs.

In essence, when fostering in England, an exotic pet is any animal that stands out from the norm, offering a unique companionship experience. While they might require a bit more attention and expertise, they can bring a distinct joy to a household—especially one that’s fostering a child eager to learn about the world’s more unusual creatures.

How to Foster a Child When you Already Have Exotic Pets in the Household

If you’re looking to become a foster parent and you already have exotic animals in your home, or are interested in getting some there are a number of things to take into consideration. Ultimately, despite the information contained within this article, the most important thing is that you do your research and learn the proper care of any pet you select. 

Having your foster children  help with this will demonstrate how important it is to care for the pet properly while building research skills. 

Do’s

• Understanding how to foster a child with exotic pets begins with education. Educate your foster child about the specific needs of the pet. It’s essential to help a child understand that every pet is unique, with its own set of needs, habits, and behaviours.
• Supervision is critical in ensuring the safety of both  children and pets. Even the most well-behaved pet can become unpredictable in new situations, and a child may not always understand how to interact safely with an animal. By closely monitoring their interactions, you can prevent accidents and misunderstandings. 
• Creating designated safe spaces for both the child and the pets is crucial in maintaining harmony in the household. For the child, this might mean having a pet-free zone where they can relax, play, or retreat when they need a break. For the pets, this means ensuring they have a secure, quiet area where they can retreat when they need to rest or feel overwhelmed. 
• Setting clear rules and boundaries is essential for maintaining order and safety in a home with both children and pets. These rules might include guidelines on when and how a child can interact with the pets, what areas are off-limits, and how to handle feeding and care routines. 

Don’ts 

• One of the most crucial rules to follow is never leaving a child alone with the pets. No matter how well-behaved the animals are, or how comfortable a child may seem around them, unsupervised interactions can lead to unintended consequences. Pets, particularly exotic ones, may react unpredictably to sudden movements or unfamiliar behaviours, and a child might not yet understand how to read an animal’s signals.
• Introducing a foster child to pets is a process that requires patience and sensitivity. It’s important not to rush this process or force a child to interact with  pets before they are ready. Every child will have a different comfort level with animals, especially if they have not had much prior exposure to exotic pets. Gradual introductions allow a child to approach the animals at their own pace, helping to build trust and reduce fear or anxiety. This careful approach is particularly important when fostering in England, where the variety of exotic pets might be new and overwhelming for the child.
• While it’s important to care for the pets, it’s equally vital not to overlook the emotional well-being of the child. Fostering a child often involves helping them adjust to a new environment, which can be a challenging and emotional process. The presence of exotic pets might add an additional layer of stress or confusion for the child. Make sure to spend time discussing their feelings about the pets, addressing any fears or concerns they might have. 

Are you Ready to Become a Foster Parent?

Becoming a foster carer with exotic pets is a unique and rewarding experience that requires patience, empathy, and commitment. By creating a welcoming environment, establishing routine and consistency, fostering open communication, and showing unconditional love and support, you can build a strong bond with the children you’ll look after and any pet in the home. 

If you’re considering becoming a foster carer and want to learn more about fostering with Family Fostering Partners, contact us today. You can also click here to complete our fostering application form. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children in need and create a brighter future for families across the UK.