For a limited time, you can take a pet home from any Los Angeles city shelter from just a few hours up to a couple of weeks, officials announced Monday.
The short-term foster companion program will run until Jan. 10, aimed at easing overcrowding and helping socialize shelter animals over the holidays, L.A. Animal Services said in a news release.
The agency hopes the program will also give pets more exposure and a better chance for adoption.
If you’re taking an animal for just a few hours, known as a Furry Field Trip, all six city shelter locations will have pre-selected animals to choose from.
“Even if you only spend a few hours with one of our pets on a Furry Field Trip, the socialization and love that you provide can make a huge difference in helping companion animals find loving homes,” L.A. Animal Services General Manager Brenda Barnette said in a statement.
Animal Services hopes the new program will help it land some of the $55,000 in grants being offered to organizations with short-term fostering by Maddie’s Fund.
To get involved, fill out a foster application, visit one of the city’s six shelters and ask to speak with the foster coordinator. For more information, click here.