Animal Services invites community to bring a little joy ‘Home for the Holidays’

The holidays are a time for gathering, comfort and companionship, and Pinellas County Animal Services wants to make sure shelter pets get to experience a little of that magic, too.

Through Home for the Holidays, running Nov. 1 through Dec. 30, community members can foster a shelter dog or cat for up to 30 days, giving them a welcome break from shelter life and a chance to enjoy the comforts of a home. The return on that investment? The joy of animal companionship, lots of slobbery kisses and snuggles and a happy, healthier animal.

Time away from the shelter can be invaluable for an animal waiting to be adopted. It gives them a chance to relax and show more of their personality. Foster families also help Animal Services learn about each animal’s behavior and needs, providing valuable information to help match them with a forever home.

“Not everyone can adopt, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make a difference in an animal’s life,” said Jennifer Renner, Director of Animal Services. “Giving a shelter pet a place to feel safe and cared for, even for a few weeks, is a wonderful way to give back this holiday season that can feel deeply rewarding.”

Animal Services provides everything participants need during the foster period. Those who discover they’ve found the right companion can begin the adoption process at any point during their foster stay.

This holiday season, Animal Services encourages anyone looking for a meaningful way to help homeless pets to consider opening their home, even temporarily. A few weeks of comfort and companionship can make a lasting difference for an animal who has been waiting to be adopted.

To learn more about Home for the Holidays and how to become a foster, visit Pinellas.gov/holiday-home or contact Pinellas County Animal Services at 727-582-2600, option 8.