PEDIGREE Foundation calls on pet lovers nationwide to foster a pet this summer
Pet lovers across the country have an exciting opportunity this summer: to help turn the tide for animal shelters and rescues. While animal capacity in shelters remains high and many foster-based rescues are overwhelmed, pet lovers can be part of the solution. One of the most fulfilling and effective ways to help a homeless pet is through the simple, powerful act of fostering.
That’s why PEDIGREE Foundation has teamed up with a coalition of animal welfare organizations to lead the Foster 50 Challenge(Opens a new window) – a rally for pet lovers from coast to coast to welcome a foster pet into their homes, with the hope of helping pets across all 50 states. To help guide volunteers on their foster journeys, free online resources have been provided by the coalition organizations, including Maddie’s Fund, Adopt a Pet, MuttNation Foundation, ASPCA, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, Mutual Rescue and Outcomes for Pets Consulting.
The lifesaving power of fostering
Providing a temporary home environment – for a few weeks, a few days or even just an afternoon field trip – can significantly improve an animal’s chances of finding a family. In fact, dogs are 14 times more likely to be adopted after a foster sleepover(Opens a new window), and both dogs and cats who spend time in foster care are less likely to be returned after adoption. Fostering also reduces the length of stay in shelters, allowing staff to focus on other adoption-driving needs, such as behavioral support, transport efforts and medical care.
“Shelters and rescues cannot solve their capacity challenges alone, which is why the Foster 50 coalition came together to shine a light on the lifesaving power of fostering," says Deb Fair, Executive Director of PEDIGREE Foundation. She encourages pet lovers everywhere to be part of the solution: "Fosters aren’t just providing comfort and individualized care for a pet in need. They’re also able to learn valuable insights about each pet’s unique personality and needs, which could help match them with the right forever family."
Making a difference for pets, shelters and rescue organizations nationwide
Last year, Foster 50 drove meaningful impact across more than 200 communities nationwide, recruiting more than 9,000 new foster parents, increasing active foster participation by 11% and placing nearly 37,000 dogs and cats into foster homes – more than 11,000 of whom were adopted.
In tandem with the call for pet lovers to foster this summer, shelters and rescues across the country have joined the Foster 50 Challenge. Participating organizations are working to grow and strengthen their foster programming for a chance to earn a grant to further their lifesaving work. PEDIGREE Foundation, Maddie’s Fund, Adopt a Pet and MuttNation Foundation are providing a total of $240,000 in grant funding. The Foster 50 Challenge is running from May 1 through July 31, but the insights gained will empower shelters and rescues to enhance and grow their lifesaving foster work long after the challenge ends.
Pet lovers interested in fostering are encouraged to contact their local shelters or rescues to learn about available opportunities. Whether looking to foster for one hour, one day, one week or one month, it all makes a difference in helping more dogs and cats find their furever homes.
To learn more about Foster 50 and find a participating organization near you, visit PEDIGREEFoundation.org/Foster50Challenge(Opens a new window).
