chicago-Area Animal Shelters Issue Urgent plea for Foster Homes Amid Surge in Surrenders
Local animal shelters are facing a critical shortage of foster homes as a growing number of pet owners are being forced to surrender their animals due to financial hardship and othre challenges. PAWS Chicago and Humane Indiana are among the organizations overwhelmed with surrendered dogs and cats, creating a desperate need for temporary care providers.
The influx of surrendered pets is driven by rising costs of pet ownership – including food and veterinary care - leaving many families unable to provide for their animals. “The cost of food, the cost of veterinarian care, it’s overwhelming,” explained Paula Fasseas, Founder and Executive Chair of PAWS Chicago. “Many people have had multiple pets, and they will come and stand in line at Animal Care and Control and say, ‘We can’t keep them.'” This situation places immense strain on already limited shelter resources and underscores the vital role foster families play in animal welfare.
Humane Indiana Shelter & Clinic is also experiencing a meaningful need for foster support. “We desperately need fosters,” said Senior Director jessica Petalas.”We’re really looking for kitten fosters,cat fosters,and fosters that are willing to take large breed dogs.” The association offers digital training to new foster families and provides support to ensure accomplished placements.
Even if unable to adopt, individuals can make a substantial difference by opening their homes to a pet in need.Fostering provides temporary care,freeing up space in shelters and allowing animals to receive individualized attention while awaiting permanent homes.
Those interested in fostering or adopting can find more facts at https://www.pawschicago.org/ and https://www.humaneindiana.org/.