Ep. 33: The Emotional Cost of Fostering with Kirsten Peek

Fostering animals can be one of the most rewarding experiences in animal welfare—but it can also take an emotional toll. In this episode, we explore compassion fatigue in fostering, why it happens, and practical strategies to protect your mental health while still giving love and care to your foster animals. We talk about:  Recognizing the signs of compassion fatigue and burnout Understanding the emotional and physiological impact of repeated loss or stress Learning practical strategies to set boundaries and care for yourself Building resilience and sustainable fostering practices Resources mentioned:  Humane World for Animals Other resources for managing compassion fatigue:  https://www.animalwelfarewellness.com/