PAWS Mini Magazine Spring 2023

Second Chances Are Made Possible Thanks to Foster Families

Do you ever wonder where our adoptable animals come from? The majority arrives at PAWS via regular transports from overcrowded shelters across the country. By coming to PAWS, these cats and dogs are spared from euthanasia and given a second chance for a happy life. Periodically, animals are transferred to PAWS due to natural disasters that impact shelters and rescue organizations in areas with severe weather. PAWS has accepted hundreds of cats and dogs over the years from places affected by hurricanes and flooding. We would not have capacity to provide care for these animals without an extensive volunteer foster program. At any given time, two dozen cats or dogs might reside at the PAWS shelter, but a hundred or more are preparing for adoption while living with foster families.

Foster care for shelter animals offers several benefits for both the animals and the animal welfare system. First, it reduces stress. Living in a shelter can be stressful for animals, and can lead to anxiety, depression, and other health issues. Foster care allows animals to live in a home environment, which can reduce nervousness and improve their overall well-being. Next, it increases socialization. Animals in foster care can interact with people and other animals in a home setting. This helps them develop social skills and learn appropriate behaviors.

Fronzie is one of the many dogs brought to PAWS from central California after the area was subjected to historic rains, mudslides, and flooding.

Foster caregivers also provide individualized care to animals, including tailored training, exercise, and medical attention. This helps animals with special needs or medical conditions receive the care they require to heal and thrive. Animals in foster care often have a better chance of being adopted than those in a shelter. This is because they have the opportunity to develop social skills, receive training and medical care, and become more accustomed to living in a home environment.

Foster care helps shelters and rescue organizations increase their capacity to care for animals. By placing animals in foster homes, shelters can free up space and resources to care for other animals in need. Overall, foster care is a vital component of the animal welfare system, providing animals with the care, socialization, and support they need to find permanent, loving homes. PAWS places more than 2,000 animals in foster care each year, and we currently need additional volunteers to save even more lives – will you help?

To learn more about the PAWS Foster Care Program, or to join, please visit: paws.org/foster