Augusta Animal Services Give Pets Temporary Homes With ‘Home For The Holidays’ Program

Augusta Animal Services will let families foster dogs and cats from Saturday through Dec. 2 as part of its "Home for the Holidays" program. The initiative gives animals temporary homes during Thanksgiving week while reducing stress on shelter populations.

Families can pick up animals starting Saturday at noon. They must return them by Dec. 2. Cat adopters need to bring carriers. Puppies and kittens aren't available for the holiday program, but can be adopted permanently.

"Last year, for Thanksgiving, we had 36 dogs and cats go home for the holidays, which is fantastic for the animals. They have a mental health week, they get away and distress. Research has proven that it is terrific for them," said Crystal Eskola, deputy director of Augusta Animal Services, according to WRDW.

One family who fostered a dog last Thanksgiving came back at Christmas to adopt a second animal. The woman brought donations to the facility last week and shared her story with staff members.

Volunteer Amira Flores said the program helps long-term residents find placements. Foster families are encouraged to take photos and share information about their temporary pets to help with future adoptions.

The program gives mental health benefits for animals by letting them leave the facility environment. "It's also really good for our animals because it allows them to get out of the shelter, and even if they come back, they have had time to decompress, and we have new information to share so they can be adopted easier," Flores said.

Last year, 72% of families that participated ended up adopting their temporary pets. The Aiken County Animal Shelter also offers a similar holiday foster program.