Short-term Fostering
Short-term fostering has a significant impact on shelter dogs. Even a few days out of the shelter greatly reduces their stress levels. Studies show that dogs who go to foster care have lower cortisol levels upon returning to the shelter compared to those who never leave. If you have a day, a weekend, or a week to spare, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Hamilton County’s homeless pets!
Short-term foster care is lifesaving!
When you take a dog home to foster, they have a 14x higher chance of being adopted. By bringing that animal home, you become their advocate, expand their circle of potential adopters, and get to learn more about them than we ever could at the shelter!
Unique Short-Term Foster Families
You may think your lifestyle isn’t suitable for having a foster dog, but our foster match-making team can find a dog for anyone’s situation! If you love animals but have a busy work schedule or travel often, having your own pet can be challenging. Fostering an animal for a few weeks when you have the time can bring you joy and companionship while also helping you connect with your local community.
Flight attendants
We have foster parents who are flight attendants and travel frequently for work. When they’re back in Cincinnati, they stop by the shelter and pick up a short-term foster dog for a few weeks! When it’s time to return to the sky, we try to find the animal a new foster home or bring them back to the shelter.
teachers
During the school year, teachers may not have the time to dedicate to fostering. Our fosters who are teachers take advantage of the summer vacation by fostering a shelter dog for 2 weeks while they have the time! Summer is a hectic time at the shelter and taking a dog out for two weeks makes a huge difference to our on-site population.
truck drivers
Some trucks drivers take a doggie companion on the road with them, but not everyone has that luxury. For drivers that want a little companionship when they return home, fostering a dog for a few weeks is a great way to share a bond and make an impact at the same time!
What our short-term fosters have to say:
"The community of dedicated fosters, volunteers and staff at CAC is so inspiring and I can't explain what it feels like to be a part of it. They're smart, resourceful, and so passionate."
CAC Foster
"You don't need a grand plan or a perfect location. Just being outside the confines of the shelter, feeling the grass, and bringing the fresh air brings them joy. For me, it has added an enriching layer to my life, giving me added motivation to stay active and reconnect with nature."
CAC Foster
foster Feature:
Abby M.
Abby has fostered 20 kittens + 8 dogs through CAC, most of which have been short-term fosters. Our kitten fosters are essential, especially during kitten season!
"When I foster kittens, I normally foster the tabbies or black ones. I'm currently fostering Earth and Venus, who are two months old, until they're ready to go to Purrfect Day Cat Cafe Covington to be adopted."
Short-Term Foster FAQ
Do you have questions about our foster program not answered here? Contact us at foster@cincycare.org!