The Humane Society of Westmoreland County is looking for foster homes to help care for cats and dogs that would thrive outside of a shelter environment.
Some of the animals in need of a foster home may have special medical or behavioral needs that require extra attention, said Carly Miller, staff member and social media manager at the nonprofit organization.
“No dog should be in a shelter, but some dogs can’t be in a shelter,” she said.
The organization, based in Hempfield off Route 119 just outside Greensburg, is reviving its foster program in an effort to help animals in its care improve their adoption chances and find new homes. The program has been dormant for the past few years.
A 2023 joint study by Virginia Tech and Arizona State University found a dog’s likelihood of being adopted increases after participating in an outing or overnight visit at a temporary foster home. Researchers found that when community members were involved in those experiences, rather than volunteers or staff, the programs were more successful.
Dog walker Erin Vinick said canines can sometimes be fearful in a new environment, such as a shelter. Fostering can open up a kennel for a dog in need, she said, essentially helping two animals.
“We love our animals so much, and they have a good life at the shelter, but they could have a better life,” she said.
Miller said foster home applicants will go through a vetting process, and those selected will work closely with shelter staff. Foster homes will be responsible for providing daily care for the animals, which can be shy, anxious or require a specific diet, among other needs. The humane society will handle all expenses, including food, litter and veterinary costs.
“It’s a big commitment,” she said.
Any animals in foster care will remain up for adoption. Homes with existing pets will be considered.
“They can help us work with them so they become the best adoptable dogs that they can be,” Miller said.
A few of the humane society’s animals in need of foster homes are listed at hswcfosterfamily.my.canva.site. An application is available on the website.