Urgent need for foster homes for dogs in Oshawa

With the number of pets needing homes at an all-time high, Oshawa Animal Services is appealing to residents to foster an animal or taking a doggy on a day out.

Oshawa Animal Services is urgently seeking caring foster homes for pets, especially medium to large dogs.

The Foster Program provides a temporary safe and loving home for cats and dogs that may not be ready yet for adoption because they are too young, pregnant or nursing, sick or injured, in need of some socialization or some time to decompress.

Fostering can last from a few days to several weeks, depending upon on the animal’s needs. All supplies and medical care for animals in foster care are covered.

The Doggy Day Out Program pairs dog lovers with long-stay shelter dogs for field trips. Outings can include a hike, a trip to the beach, a nap in a home or even a nice lunch.

Doggy Day Out is a “win-win for everyone,” Oshawa Animal Services said in a press release. “Animal lovers get their pet-fix while giving dogs a break from the shelter and helping Oshawa Animal Services learn more about their wonderful canine personalities, which may help them find their perfect match.”

Residents can fill out an online application and the shelter team will coordinate the rest.

The ultimate goal is pet adoption, which gives pets a brighter future while also creating shelter space for another animal in need. Oshawa Animal Services has many pets waiting for their ‘furever’ home, including small animals such guinea pigs, rabbits and birds.

Support is available at every stage of the adoption process and continues after you take your pet home and the Oshawa Animal Services team is only a phone call away for any questions or concerns.

You can view the animals available for adoption online or visit Oshawa Animal Services (919 Farewell Street) Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Residents can also consider donating, with Oshawa Animal Services in need of clean, used towels and blankets; gift cards to major retailers, pet stores and grocery stores; unexpired pet food; and monetary donations that help the shelter pay for specialized medical costs, training support and other animal supplies.

To learn more about Oshawa Animal Services’ programs and services, visit the City’s website or the Oshawa Animal Services Facebook page.