In the spirit of the holiday season, Front Street Animal Shelter is calling for the Sacramento community to open their homes to foster dogs in need. An increase in strays and full kennels have heightened the need for temporary foster homes, particularly for medium and large-sized dogs. "Even a short foster stay – just a couple of weeks – can make a world of difference for a dog in need," Andrea Haverland, Public Information Coordinator for the shelter, told Sacramento City Express.
The shelter is making it easy for locals to get involved. Yesterday, Front Street was offering two options for community members to foster: scheduled pickups between 9-11 a.m., which can be arranged in advance through an appointment link, and walk-in foster matching from 1-3 p.m.—no appointment is required. The staff will assist in the matching process, ensuring that each dog suits their potential foster's home environment and lifestyle. "If the match doesn’t feel right, there is no pressure to move forward," Haverland emphasized in a statement to Sacramento City Express. Finding the right fit is always the priority for the shelter.
Those who open their homes to a foster dog will receive full support from Front Street, including supplies, medical care, and continued assistance throughout the foster period. The program is designed to give dogs a temporary break from the stress of shelter life while creating space for other animals in need during the busy holiday season. Prospective fosters must live within 30 minutes of Sacramento to allow for quick response in the event of an emergency.
Helping a shelter dog can have a profound impact, with Haverland noting, "Opening a home to a shelter dog can truly change everything." The Front Street Animal Shelter is expressing deep gratitude towards those in the community who step up to provide comfort, stability, and care during this critical period. For those unable to participate in the holiday fostering event or if the appointments fill up, Front Street encourages future fostering: individuals can sign up for the ongoing Front Street Foster Program or take part in the Doggie Day Out programs, according to Sacramento City Express.
