SOS! HELP! with our new "SleepOver and Socialize" program (SOS)"!
(by Diane Hart, Shelter Manager)

We have decided to start the SleepOver and Socialize (SOS) program for our animals, in order to help them become more adoptable by improving their emotional well-being. The idea is to give our animals a break from living in kennels and cages, to give them a chance for exercise and to help them learn to socialize or remain social through tender loving care. Living in a kennel or cage is definitely not supportive to an animal's needs and can result in a highly stressed, withdrawn or aggressive animal.

We are looking for foster families who are willing to provide overnight care to cats, dogs or rabbits. We would like a minimum commitment of one month or 30 sleeps! The odd night off is okay, but continuity is important to keep stress levels to a minimum for the animal. The sleepover foster family would be responsible for picking up the animal between 4:30 - 6:00 pm daily, taking it home and including it in your family life. The pet would be taken back to the shelter on your way to work or anytime between 8:30 - 10:30am. We would like the animal to be at the shelter during our daytime adoption hours, so that it has every opportunity to become adopted. Some animals will just need TLC and others may need help to become socialized to humans and other pets, become housebroken or learn basic obedience skills. All animals will benefit from exercise, brushing, cuddles and playtime.

This program will be suitable for all animal lovers and hopefully those of you that love animals but aren't able to take on the long-term commitment of pet ownership. Please consider this program as an alternative way to include a companion pet in your life! If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact Diane or Sylvia at 388-7722.