As the holiday season approaches, animal shelters across Philadelphia are facing an added strain: a temporary reduction in the number of available foster homes due to travel, hosting, and busy schedules, just as more families are facing hardships that are forcing them to part with their beloved pets and shelters are faced with a growing number of stray and surrendered animals. To meet this urgent need, PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society), the city’s largest rescue partner, is launching its Foster Homes for the Holidays campaign — a call to action to help provide both short- and long-term foster homes between now and December 31. Every foster caregiver who steps forward saves a life by making room in the shelter for another animal in need.

Fostering is one of the most powerful ways to support Philadelphia’s homeless pets. By caring for an animal temporarily, foster parents free-up shelter space, provide crucial socialization, and help prepare pets for adoption. This holiday initiative aims to recruit seasoned fosters and first-timers alike, urging people to discover how a short-term commitment can make a long-term difference.

PAWS provides everything foster parents need for a successful and rewarding experience. Each foster placement is carefully matched by our team based on lifestyle, experience, and household considerations, including resident pets. Medical care is fully covered, and PAWS offers support throughout the process. Supplies such as food, cat litter, toys, and leashes are also available as needed.

The greatest current foster needs include adult cats with medical conditions, kittens and nursing mothers, dogs of all sizes, and owned pets who need temporary housing through PAWS’ Safety Net Program. Since its launch in 2022, this program offers short-term care for pets whose families are navigating crises such as housing instability, medical emergencies, or other life transitions. By providing a temporary haven, Safety Net foster homes keep animals out of the shelter system and preserve the bond between pets and their families — making reunions possible when they are ready. Fosters in this program offer tangible, immediate relief to families in crisis and play a critical role in keeping beloved pets with the people who love them.

Bella and Mixie (below), a bonded mother-daughter duo, are part of PAWS’ Safety Net Foster Program and among many pets currently in need of temporary foster homes. Their owner is experiencing a challenging situation and turned to PAWS to keep her cats safe while she regains stability. Bella and Mixie are currently at PAWS’ Grays Ferry shelter, but need a foster home until they can be reunited with their family.

Kane (pictured below), a two-year-old pup currently in PAWS’ care, is among the many dogs who need foster homes. Kane is being monitored closely for ongoing health concerns such as a cough and lack of appetite, so the ideal foster parent would both offer him a place to rest comfortably and be able to bring him to PAWS for medical checks. Fosters for dogs like Kane – as well as cats with medical needs – are essential to PAWS’ ability to continue rescuing the most vulnerable pets from the city shelter. By opening your home temporarily, you’re giving an animal the chance to heal from illness or injury and get ready to find a family of their own, and making room in the shelter for another one who is waiting for the same chance.

“As we head into the holiday season, our need for foster homes is greater than ever,” says Tammy Miller, PAWS’ senior foster and adoption manager. “Our pets want to know your holiday plans! If you’re staying in town and have room on your couch, we’d love to match you with the perfect holiday buddy. Hosting a pet gives them a safe and loving place to land and opens a spot in our shelters for the next animal who needs us. Fostering truly saves lives!”

PAWS is completely donor-funded, so its ability to rescue and care for animals depends on the generosity of its supporters. Whether through fostering, in-kind donations, or monetary gifts, individuals have the power to make a significant impact on PAWS’ lifesaving work. Here are a few other ways to support PAWS and save lives during the holiday season:

• DONATE FOSTER SUPPLIES: PAWS relies on large quantities of wet and dry food, cat litter, and other essentials to care for animals both in the shelter and in foster homes. The public is encouraged to send items through PAWS’ Wishlist, which ensures we have the supplies needed to set fosters up for success.
• MAKE A MONETARY GIFT: Donations provide veterinary and supportive care for all animals at PAWS.
• FOLLOW PAWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA & SHARE THEIR CONTENT: One of the simplest and most effective ways to support the foster program is by engaging with PAWS on Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky. PAWS posts daily updates featuring animals waiting for foster homes, urgent supply needs, and success stories. Liking, commenting, and sharing these posts broadens their reach and increases the chances of connecting pets with the homes they need.

The benefits of fostering are immense and far-reaching — not only for the animals, but also for the families who care for them and the broader community. PAWS remains focused on rescuing pets who are unlikely to be saved otherwise and placing them into loving homes. To join the cause and become a hero for pets in need, sign up to foster at phillypaws.org/foster. To learn more about PAWS’ programs, services, and learn more details about the Foster Homes for the Holidays campaign, visit phillypaws.org.