Fostering a pet will not only save a life, but will also decrease the stress of both the pet and the person or family staying home during this challenging time. Here’s why you should consider joining the #stayhomeandfoster movement today!

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented animal sheltering crisis in the United States. Countless homeless pets have nowhere to go, and are at risk of being euthanized. Many shelters already dealing with a population increase due to puppy and kitten season are now being forced to shut their doors to the public as “stay at home” orders are put into effect. Also, fears surrounding the coronavirus outbreak are leading to slowing pet adoptions and an increase in pets being surrendered by their families to animal shelters.

There has never been a better time in this country’s history to foster a homeless pet, since many people are working remotely, self-isolating, or otherwise just staying home. Becoming an emergency foster not only saves lives, but also provides scientifically proven stress relief for individuals and families while they quarantine at home.

Numerous programs have stepped up to promote the #stayathomeandfoster movement, a national effort to reduce euthanasia rates during this time. Fostering a pet is the solution, and sites such as StayHomeAndFoster.org are making it easy by connecting potential pet foster parents with animal shelters in their local communities.

StayHomeAndFoster.org provides those interested in fostering a pet with a universal national form where they can easily register and be connected by GreaterGood.org with one of the thousands of animal shelters across the U.S.  Many of the animal shelters offer foster pet delivery or low contact pet pick up. Fosters are needed for dogs and cats nationwide for 2–6 weeks.