by Los Angeles — As the holiday season approaches, animal shelters across the Los Angeles area are urging residents to consider fostering pets, even temporarily, as facilities face increased overcrowding and seasonal strain on resources.
Animal welfare organizations say fostering during the holidays can be life-changing for cats and dogs who struggle in shelter environments, while also helping shelters manage limited space during one of the busiest times of the year.
Best Friends Animal Society, which operates in Los Angeles and nationwide, says shelters are often loud and unfamiliar, conditions that can heighten stress for animals, especially those that are shy, elderly, or recovering from medical issues. A short stay in a home environment can make a significant difference.
“Even a few days in a calm home can help an animal decompress and show their true personality,” the organization said.
Why the Holidays Are a Critical Time for Shelters
Shelter intake typically rises during the winter months, as families travel, face financial pressures, or struggle to care for pets during colder weather. At the same time, adoption rates often slow as people focus on holiday plans.
This combination leads to overcrowding, placing additional stress on animals and staff alike.
By fostering, residents help free up kennel space and allow shelters to take in more animals that may otherwise have limited options. Shelters emphasize that fostering is not a long-term obligation and can be tailored to individual availability.
Foster commitments can range from a single night or weekend to several weeks, depending on the needs of the shelter and the foster family.
What Fostering Involves
Best Friends Animal Society describes fostering as a supported, short-term arrangement. The organization provides food, supplies, veterinary care, and guidance, ensuring foster families are not responsible for medical expenses.
Animals in need of foster care include:
- Puppies and kittens too young for adoption
- Pets recovering from surgery or illness
- Shy or fearful animals needing socialization
- Dogs or cats needing a break from the shelter environment
Shelters work to match animals with foster homes based on lifestyle, schedules, and existing pets to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
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“You don’t need prior experience or a large home to foster,” Best Friends said. “What matters most is providing a safe, loving environment.”
Support for Those Who Can’t Foster Full-Time
For residents who want to help but cannot foster due to space or time constraints, shelters offer alternative ways to participate.
Best Friends’ Adventure Buddies program pairs volunteers with adoptable dogs for short outings or temporary in-home visits. These experiences provide dogs with enrichment, social interaction, and exposure to real-world environments, which can improve their chances of adoption.
Even a few hours outside the shelter can have a meaningful impact on an animal’s well-being.
Local Shelters Join the Effort
Best Friends Animal Society is not alone in its holiday push. Pasadena Humane Society and other Los Angeles-area shelters are also encouraging holiday fostering and volunteer involvement.
Shelter officials say community participation is essential during this time of year, as staffing and resources are stretched thin while animal needs remain high.
“Fostering isn’t just about helping one pet — it helps the entire system,” shelter officials noted.
A Small Commitment With a Lasting Impact
Animal welfare groups stress that fostering does not have to be permanent to make a difference. Even a brief stay in a home environment can reduce stress, improve behavior, and increase an animal’s chances of being adopted.
As shelters navigate the challenges of the holiday season, officials say fostering offers residents a meaningful way to give back while making a direct, tangible difference in an animal’s life.
Those interested in fostering are encouraged to contact local shelters directly to learn about available animals and short-term opportunities.
Have you ever fostered a pet, or would you consider it this holiday season? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
