This sweet poodle mix, Maxine, came into IHS as a stray after being hit by a car. She is just one of the thousands of animals that go to foster families for recovery before adoption.
The Idaho Humane Society placed more than 1,000 animals in foster care last year, according to Kristine Schellhaas, a spokeswoman for the shelter. Kitten season in the spring is the busiest time of year for the IHS foster program. Fostering frees up space in local shelters and can help calm stressed-out strays, but there are many other benefits.
“Many of our foster animals need help with socialization, some aren’t old enough to adopt out, some need a little TLC after medical care, and more,” Schelhaas said. “Once an individual becomes a foster parent, they’ll begin to receive descriptions of animals that are in need, and they can let our staff know if they think they’d be a good match.”