Foster for the Holidays – Give a Shelter Pet a Home (and a break) This Season

Because dogs don’t argue politics at the dinner table — and cats definitely won’t judge your gift-wrapping skills. This holiday season, The Animal Foundation is inviting the Las Vegas community to open their homes (even briefly) through its Foster for the Holidays program, running now through December 31. It’s a simple, meaningful way to help shelter pets experience comfort, calm, and connection during one of the busiest — and most stressful — times of the year.

What “Foster for the Holidays” Looks Like

This program is designed to be flexible, approachable, and judgment-free. You can walk into The Animal Foundation’s adoption lobby with no pre-registration and be matched with a dog or cat for a field trip, a weekend, or up to a full week — whatever works for you. No long-term commitment is required. Just a little time, a little space, and a lot of heart.

And if that temporary foster turns into something more permanent? Adoption fees are waived for foster parents who decide they’ve found their forever companion.

Why Short-Term Fostering Makes a Big Difference

Shelter environments can be overwhelming, especially during the holidays. Even a few days in a home helps pets decompress, sleep better, and show their true personalities. That means better behavior, happier animals, and a faster path to adoption. Every couch nap, car ride, and cuddle helps free up space in the shelter for other animals in need.

Looking Beyond the Holidays: Ongoing Foster Needs

While Foster for the Holidays officially wraps on December 31, fostering is a year-round lifeline for many animals. Long-term fosters — ranging from one week to a few months — play a critical role for pets who need extra care or a quieter environment.

These include long-stay dogs needing a break from kennel life, pets recovering from surgery or illness, seniors who thrive best in calm homes, shy animals building confidence, puppies too young for adoption, and kittens supported through The Animal Foundation’s Itty Bitty Kitty Committee.

You don’t need prior experience. All supplies and veterinary care are provided, and the foster team offers ongoing support, guidance, and check-ins to make sure both you and your foster pet are set up for success.

How to Get Started

For holiday fostering or field trips, simply visit the foster window in the adoption lobby during open hours. If you’re interested in fostering a specific dog or exploring longer-term options, you can submit a foster application in advance and reach out to the team at foster@animalfoundation.com.

Because the Best Holiday Memories Come With Fur

Whether it’s for a day, a week, or longer, fostering changes lives — often in ways you don’t expect. For shelter pets, it can mean the difference between surviving the holidays and truly enjoying them. And for you, it might just become your favorite seasonal tradition.