In an effort to support the hundreds of animals in need of temporary homes, San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) is actively recruiting pet fosters and providing free classes under its "Sit. Stay. Learn." series to educate the community on the ins and outs of fostering; the latest class was held yesterday. These orientation sessions are particularly vital as they come against a backdrop of distressing statistics, which saw nearly 300 animals euthanized for lack of space in July 2024 alone, despite over 1,200 being available for adoption, as reported by KENS 5.
The situation is exacerbated each week with the arrival of hundreds more pets "We have so many dogs and cats here at the shelter that are in need," Lisa Norwood, Public Relations & Outreach Manager of San Antonio ACS, told KENS 5, emphasizing the critical role foster pet parents play in not only saving the lives of these individual animals but also freeing up the necessary space for new arrivals, which is a ongoing and constant challenge due to the steady influx of animals in need of care.
The fostering program is designed to be accessible and supportive, providing all necessary supplies, food, and medical care for the pets, something Norwood highlighted as a way to alleviate some of the pressures prospective fosters might feel, according to a statement from the city's website. Adding to the benefits, Norwood says fostering "helps the shelter learn about a pet's personality," which is crucial in matching animals with the right forever homes and is part of the deeper, intrinsic rewards of the fostering experience, she conveyed in an interview with KENS 5.
Aspiring fosters are encouraged to reach out to the shelter for more information and to sign up for becoming temporary pet parents; while classes are ever offering information and reassurance Norwood assures those considering the commitment that "once you start, you're not going to want to stop," a sentiment that captures the depth of connection and contribution that comes with fostering an animal in need, she mentioned during the interview with KENS 5. Those interested in joining the effort can send an email to [email protected], but during the orientation sessions companion animals should be left at home, as informed by the city's announcement.
