TWINSBURG, Ohio — The Humane Society of Summit County is looking for volunteer foster families who can provide temporary care in their homes for shelter dogs over the holidays.
The shelter in Twinsburg is currently home to close to 100 dogs, the most since the beginning of the pandemic. The staff is hoping the community can provide these pets some respite from shelter life for a few weeks over the holidays.
Ashley Botz, Adoption and Behavior Supervisor says of the foster program: "Fostering is great for our dogs because it allows them to relax and enjoy some time in a home away from the shelter. We also learn more about their personalities from the foster families to help match them with the perfect forever home. Almost half of our foster volunteers end up adopting their foster dog, and that's a great outcome too!"
Anyone interesting in foster shelter dogs from The Humane Society of Summit County can sign up to volunteer by completing a short online form at www.summithumane.org/foster. A staff member will contact volunteers to help select a dog that matches the household and schedule a time to pick the dog up.
Supplies, food, and toys will be provided to the foster family. All dogs are up to date on shots and are fully vetted.
Foster volunteers must be able to transport animals back and forth from the shelter for vet appointments and adoption showings. Staff is available remotely to provide advice and support for foster families.
Humane Society of Summit County President and CEO Diane Johnson-Owens says: "The holidays can be a difficult time for many and in addition to providing comfort and care for shelter animals, we think this program can help people who in need of companionship at this time of year. Additionally, fostering provides relief to our staff who have been working tirelessly to provide for such a high volume of animals. Foster volunteers can truly make a difference in the life of homeless animals in this season of giving."
The Humane Society of Summit County is located in Twinsburg, Ohio.