OKC Animal Shelter Seeks Holiday Fosters to Give Dogs a Break from Kennels

Dogs at the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter are getting a chance to spend the holidays in a home, even if temporarily, through the city’s Home for the Holidays program.

Oklahoma City Animal Welfare is inviting community members 18 and older to “flash foster” adoptable dogs for up to two weeks, providing them with a much-needed respite from shelter life during the busy holiday season.

“Home for the Holidays not only gives pets a chance to relax in a home environment but also helps them gain valuable exposure to potential adopters during the busy holiday season,” Development Services Director Brock Rowe said.

The temporary foster arrangement allows residents to take a shelter dog home without the immediate commitment of adoption. At the end of the two-week period, foster families can either return the dog to the shelter or begin the adoption process if they’ve formed a bond.

“The holidays are about giving, and this is a chance to give a dog something they truly need, care, comfort and a place to belong. A short stay in a home helps them relax, feel loved and often opens the door to adoption. It is one of the best gifts anyone can give this season,” Rowe added.

All dogs participating in the program come fully prepared for their temporary homes. They are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations and preventatives. Dogs are available on a first-come, first-served basis depending on shelter availability.

The program runs through the end of the year, and participants are encouraged to foster another dog once their previous foster has been returned or adopted.

Those interested in fostering can visit OKC Animal Welfare at 2811 SE 29th St. The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

For more information about the Home for the Holidays program and to view available dogs, visit okc.gov/animal-welfare.