Last year, American shelters and rescues took in approximately 6.5 million cats and dogs, but only 4.8 million were adopted, per Shelter Animals Count.

Opening your home to a foster pet can save their life and help them transition to their forever home. And the pluses don’t stop there—fostering can benefit you in many ways too.

Try something new
Fostering can be a great idea if you’d like to adopt a pet but can’t afford to or haven’t owned one before. Many cats and dogs need foster homes, as do small domesticated animals like birds, rabbits, and reptiles. Nurturing a pet for a month or two can let you get a feel for what it’s like to own one, and in many cases, the shelter will give you the necessary food, medicine, and other supplies—you’ll just need to put in your time and effort. This act of kindness may help you determine what type of animal you might like to eventually adopt and give you hands-on training that you’ll appreciate if you get one of your own.

Create meaning
Housing a foster animal may add extra purpose to your life, as they’ll rely on you for food, care, and protection. It can be gratifying to guide a shelter pet through an illness or injury and help them adjust to a loving home life. Nothing is quite as rewarding as watching an animal heal, gain more confidence, and truly enjoy their surroundings.

Teach your kids
It’s likely your children or grandchildren will also grow from the experience since they may gain new skills and benefit from many important lessons about responsibility and compassion as they care for your family’s foster animal.

Feel happier
Chances are you’ll receive a double mood boost from fostering an animal; both pet owners and altruistic individuals are known to feel happier and less stressed. You might find that your foster pet cultivates a more fulfilling home environment, brings people together, and provides the type of unconditional love that only pets can.

Join a community
When you take in a rescue, you become part of a wider circle of people who enjoy being around and protecting animals, which may open the door to many new friendships. You could also seize more opportunities that will introduce you to others, such as by volunteering at your foster pet’s shelter or by being of assistance at adoption events or vet visits.

Consider taking the next step
At the end of your time together, it might be challenging to send your little friend to a new home, but you can feel good knowing you’ve helped them prepare for the next step in their journey. This farewell doesn’t have to be forever, though, especially if you find a family member or friend willing to adopt them—or if you adopt them yourself.