If you've ever owned a pet, you know the sinking feeling you get when you have to leave them to go back to school. You also know the look of excitement in their eyes when they see you again. If you're a pet lover, you may understand the sadness associated with the fact that you can't afford to take care of a pet at school and that unfortunately, you can't adopt all the puppies and kittens at the SPCA.

SOLUTION: Foster a pet!

Many animals shelters across the U.S. offer pets up for foster care, which gives kittens and puppies a temporary home before they are old enough or able to be adopted. Want to be a foster puppy parent, but need more convincing? Scroll down.

1. Fostering a puppy or kitten is temporary.

Pets are usually in need of foster care for a set number of week (about 3-7). You get the cute and the cuddly without the commitment and your roommates will be thankful that when your buddy leaves, their socks won't keep randomly disappearing.

2. Fostering is free!

Most fostering is free of cost because shelters want to get their animals into homes as soon as possible. They will give you food, litter, and any other necessary supplies to get you through your time with your fur ball!

3. Your parents can't yell at you for helping shelter animals.

Seriously, how could your parents be mad about you temporarily taking care of a free pet that needs a loving apartment? They can't. Also, you can throw in the fact that pets are major stress relievers too! Better exam scores, mom...

Send your parents the link to this article NOW.

4. Puppies and kittens are cute, okay?

I mean, let's be real. You want them because they're cute. How can you say no to this little face?

5. You'll be helping to free up shelter space and reduce the amount of helpless animals that get euthanized every day.

Approximately 2.7 million shelter animals are euthanized each year. That's about 7,400 per day. By fostering an animal, you're not shopping for a companion, you're saving a life. And you can foster as many times as you want whenever you have the time and space. It's a win-win for you and for your local critters!