This holiday season, with kennels full and an anticipated increase in stray animals around the holidays, Front Street Animal Shelter is urgently seeking temporary foster homes for medium and large dogs.

“Even a short foster stay – just a couple of weeks – can make a world of difference for a dog in need,” said Andrea Haverland, Public Information Coordinator for the shelter. “Getting out of the shelter allows dogs to decompress, experience the comfort of a home, and show their true personalities.”

This effort also helps create much-needed space for other animals who will need shelter and care during the busy holiday season.

Front Street Animal Shelter provides everything a foster family needs, including supplies, medical care, and ongoing support. All that is required is a safe home, a bit of patience, and a lot of love.

Community members interested in fostering can meet a dog and take them home this Saturday, Dec. 20 through one of two options:

• Scheduled foster pickups: 9-11 a.m.
  Schedule a pickup time in advance using this appointment link
• Walk-in foster matching: 1-3 p.m.
  No appointment needed during walk-in hours

During the foster matching process, staff will ask a few questions to help select a dog that best fits each foster’s home and lifestyle. If the match doesn’t feel right, there is no pressure to move forward, finding the right fit is always the priority according to staff.

To ensure the best possible support in case of emergencies, foster homes must be located within 30 minutes of Sacramento.

“Opening a home to a shelter dog can truly change everything,” Haverland said. “Front Street Animal Shelter is deeply grateful to the community members who step up during the holidays to help dogs experience comfort, stability, and care when they need it most.”

If appointment slots are filled, or those interested are not able to make it on the day of the pickup event, people can always sign up to be a part of the ongoing Front Street Foster Program or Doggie Day Out programs.