In the early days of the pandemic, almost half of the U.S. shelter pet population found refuge in foster homes. However, since then, foster placements have steadily decreased, with many shelters facing difficulties recruiting new caregivers and managing foster programs. Yet, fostering remains a powerful solution to shelter overcrowding.
In this Dogs and Data session, our panel of experts, including Kelly Duer (Maddie’s Fund), Lisa Gunter (Virginia Tech), and Kim Van Syoc (VCA Charities), discussed the potential of eight different foster programs, their impact on shelters, and how we can reimagine foster care as a core strategy for animal welfare.
Key Takeaways:
+ Foster’s Untapped Potential: Kelly Duer shared that even a 2% increase in pet owners fostering could end preventable euthanasia, highlighting the immense potential of fostering as a lifesaving tool.
+ Long-Stay Dogs & Foster: Lisa Gunter presented data showing that long-stay dogs who participated in temporary fostering or field trips experienced a dramatic reduction in shelter stay and had significantly higher adoption rates.
+ Foster-Centric Shelter Models: Kim Van Syoc emphasized the need for shelters to embrace foster as a central strategy, not a peripheral one, showcasing the success of Dog Day Out programs in shelters across the U.S.
