Want to get a dog? Try a foster pet first to check if you're ready

A dog is for life. If you want to test it out first before making the big step, consider taking a foster dog into your care. Photo: dpa

Anna Wilhelm had dreamed of getting a dog for years, but was not entirely sure she could handle caring for a pet in the long term.

Wilhelm (not her real name) finally got in touch with an animal shelter, after a friend told her they needed foster homes to care for dogs on a temporary basis.