Home for the Holidays: an extended foster program

If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in a shelter animal’s life this holiday season, this extended foster program could be for you!

From Nov. 1 to Dec. 30, you can foster any adoptable cat or dog for up to 30 days. Experience the joy of animal companionship without needing to make a permanent commitment and give a homeless animal the gift of love and comfort this holiday season.

selective focus of african american girl stroking golden retriever while family celebrating thanksgiving day

What are the benefits to fostering?

Fostering a shelter animal is a meaningful way to impact an animal’s life and it can be deeply rewarding for the foster family. It can also be a great way to help give our animals a break from the stresses of life at the shelter. When the foster period ends, we find that our animals are happier, healthier and ready to find their forever family.

For those who may be considering adoption, fostering can be a great way to share your home with an animal to help determine if you’re ready for the responsibility of owning a pet. And for those who can’t adopt, fostering is a great way to experience the joy of animal companionship.

Tabby cat plays at the Christmas tree, Christmas holidays

How does fostering work?

Pinellas County residents who are ready to foster are encouraged to visit the shelter to meet and play with our cats and dogs! If you make a connection, bring the animal’s kennel card to the lobby, along with your photo ID, and one of our Animal Services representatives will finalize the fostering process with you. The shelter will provide everything you need to foster, including medical support.

If you need to end your foster period early for any reason, no worries! You can bring the animal back to us any time we’re open. And if you fall in love with the animal you’re fostering, you can initiate the adoption process at any point during the foster period.

Ready to foster? Check out all our adoptable animals at pinellas.gov/adopt-a-pet.

Have more questions? See our Home for the Holidays FAQ.

Home for the Holidays FAQ

What does the shelter provide?

For dogs we provide food, a leash/harness, and a crate if needed. For cats, we provide a litter box and food. Medical support is available through our medical staff if needed during the foster period.

Can I foster if I rent?

Landlords may have specific policies regarding pets in a rented home. If you are a renter interested in participating in Home for the Holidays, we encourage you to have a conversation with your landlord.

What if I have other dogs in the home?

If you have other dogs in the home and want to foster a dog for the holidays, we’ll ask you to bring them in for a meet and greet. This ensures that it’s a good fit for both your existing pets and the dog you’d like to foster.