At CK Family Services, we love learning more about the incredible individuals who open their hearts and homes to children in need. And in our ongoing conversations with foster families, we’ve noticed an interesting trend:
81% of our foster parents also have a pet in their home.
That’s a really high percentage. Eight out of ten foster homes also care for a pet—that’s significant. It made us wonder if there’s a deeper connection between those who open their homes to animals and those who step up to care for children in need.
A deeper dive into the numbers shows that:
- 74% have a dog
- 18% have a cat
And when you compare that with the general population, it becomes even more compelling. In Texas, about 58.2% of households own at least one pet, which is actually below the national average of 66%. Urban areas tend to have lower pet ownership rates than rural regions, and since North Texas includes both major cities like Dallas-Fort Worth and outlying suburban and rural areas, it’s fair to assume our local pet ownership rate would closely mirror the Texas average.
So why is pet ownership among our foster families so much higher?
We’re not here to draw conclusions—but we do think it’s worth pausing and reflecting on a few possibilities:
- Maybe those who become foster parents are simply more likely to have pets than the average household. There might be something about the decision to foster that correlates with pet ownership—perhaps a shared sense of compassion, an instinct to nurture, or the likelihood to gravitate toward caregiving.
- Or maybe having a pet reflects a type of home life—structured, emotionally warm, and stable—that is especially helpful for children in foster care. Families with pets are already managing routines, care responsibilities, and emotional bonds. These rhythms can create a strong foundation for fostering.
- Could it be that our recruitment and training approach resonates with families who already have a nurturing mindset—one that includes welcoming animals into their home? Maybe even the tone and values expressed in our messaging connect more naturally with pet lovers.
- Perhaps some foster parents intentionally keep pets to provide emotional comfort and stability for children in their care. It's true that pets can be grounding, can help reduce anxiety, and offer nonjudgmental companionship—factors that may be especially important in a foster home.
Pets aren't the Same as Kids
Now, let’s be clear—we’re not suggesting that caring for a child in foster care is the same as taking care of a pet. That would be an absurd comparison. Children, especially those in foster care, require a much deeper level of understanding, empathy, consistency, and intentional parenting. While pets can bring joy and companionship, children need so much more—nurturing guidance, emotional support, and the stability of a safe and loving home. Caring for a child in foster care means supporting them through a season of transition—meeting their emotional, developmental, and relational needs. Foster parenting is about showing up, day after day, for a child who has experienced loss, change, and uncertainty—and helping them feel safe and seen.
A Heart for Nurturing
But here’s what we are saying: we believe there’s often a shared quality among those who care for children and those who care for animals—a heart for nurturing. People who choose to bring pets into their homes are often compassionate, patient, and dedicated. They make sure their pets are fed, loved, and safe. They take on responsibility, provide structure, and offer care in ways that make a difference in their pet’s lives. And those same qualities—compassion, commitment, and a desire to help—are exactly what we look for in foster parents.
While foster parenting is a much greater responsibility, the thread of empathy and care runs through both roles. Those who nurture their furry friends often have the same heart for helping others.
If you’re someone who finds joy in caring for others—whether it’s a child, a pet, or both—maybe fostering is something to consider. Because the world needs more people with compassionate hearts willing to stand in the gap for kids who need a safe place to land.
Interested in learning more? We'd love to talk with you about fostering. Learn more about FOSTER CARE HERE.
