Temporary foster homes needed to combat ongoing space crisis
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Erin Long, Marketing & Development Manager | Humane Society of Harford County
410-836-1090, x106 | erin@harfordshelter.org
Fallston, MD (October 19, 2023) – Animal shelters nationwide are facing an overcrowding crisis due to rising inflation, evictions, housing restrictions, lack of access to affordable veterinary care, and a decrease in overall adoptions. Despite adopting out 82 dogs since September 1st, during that same time period, the Humane Society of Harford County (HSHC) has taken in 172 dogs. As a result, HSHC is actively recruiting foster parents who can take dogs home temporarily to open up kennel space and make room for new arrivals.
“The ideal foster parent is someone who loves dogs, understands basic pet care, is able to take a medium-to-large dog, and does not own cats, simply because we don’t know every dog’s history with cats,” said Bob Citrullo, executive director of the Humane Society of Harford County (HSHC). “And what’s more, foster parents don’t need to open their wallet to purchase supplies because the shelter will provide all of that. All we ask of foster parents is to provide care and love. Of course, posting selfies with their foster dog to social media to help find homes would be great too!”
There are many reasons why someone would opt to foster:
- Fostering saves lives because you’re freeing space in overcrowded kennels and making room for new arrivals. Fostering one dog could literally save multiple dogs’ lives!
- Foster parents learn more about a dog’s personality and how that dog behaves in a home setting, helping shelter staff match the dog with the perfect forever home.
- Dogs in foster homes are more likely to get adopted because they can relax, are less stressed, and more appealing to prospective families.
- Fostering is affordable. HSHC will provide all supplies including food, a crate, and vaccinations.
- Since you can choose what dogs you feel confident handling, fostering is flexible. Furthermore, once the foster dog gets adopted, you can choose when you want to take on another pet.
- Fostering just feels good. Fostering is much more fulfilling than sad, and it will help you feel like you’re making a difference in the world.
To explore fostering opportunities, email foster@harfordshelter.org, call 410-836-1090, x102 or visit HSHC in person. HSHC is located at 2208 Connolly Road in Fallston or online at harfordshelter.org. The shelter is open Monday-Friday from 11-6, Saturdays from 10-5, and Sundays from 12-4.
About the Humane Society of Harford County
The Humane Society of Harford County, Inc., is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to the welfare and well-being of the approximately 2,500 animals that arrive each year. HSHC promotes the kind treatment of homeless, stray and abandoned animals by providing shelter, care, adoptions, and community education. HSHC is not a county agency nor is it affiliated with any national or regional organization. Tax-deductible donations, bequests, and proceeds from events are crucial to its life-saving efforts on behalf of the animals in the community.