Fostering Hope: The Holiday Difference at Calgary Humane Society

Why foster for the Holidays? 

The holiday season is a time for togetherness, joy, and giving. It’s also a time when many of us reflect on the things that matter most—family, love, and kindness. For Calgary Humane Society, this season offers a unique opportunity to not only celebrate these values but to also spread them to the animals in our care. Every year, we work hard to send as many animals as possible into foster homes during the holidays. This not only helps the animals but also allows our dedicated staff and foster parents to enjoy the holidays with their own families, knowing that the animals are in safe, loving hands. 

A Busy Time for the Shelter 

The holidays are a busy time for animal shelters. While many of us are making travel plans, preparing big meals, or decorating our homes, shelters like Calgary Humane Society continue to operate, caring for vulnerable animals in need. However, the shelter is closed to the public on December 24, 25, 26th, and January 1 so staff can take a much-needed break. This brief pause is crucial for everyone who works so hard year-round to care for animals in need. But as with any busy time of year, the shelter can quickly fill up, and we want to ensure the animals continue to receive the care and attention they deserve. 

That’s where fostering comes in. 

The Gift of a Temporary Home 

Fostering animals during the holidays not only reduces the number of animals in the shelter but also gives these animals the chance to experience what every pet deserves—a warm, loving home. It’s the best gift we can give to an animal during the holiday season. It’s also an incredible opportunity for people to make a tangible difference in the lives of animals in need. By offering a temporary home, foster parents provide a safe, quiet, and less stressful environment for these animals, far away from the hustle and bustle of the shelter.  

Animals in the shelter, particularly cats, dogs, and small critters, can be stressed by the noise, the constant movement, and the unfamiliar faces. Foster homes provide these animals with the space and time to relax, decompress, and truly enjoy their time with humans. Whether it’s a cozy corner by the fireplace or a warm lap to snuggle in, the gift of foster care over the holidays allows these animals to experience peace, comfort, and the joy of human companionship. 

A Win-Win Situation 

Fostering is a win-win situation for everyone involved. For Calgary Humane Society, it means we can reduce the number of animals in the shelter, making it easier for our staff to care for those who remain. It also gives our team the ability to take a well-deserved break during the holiday season. For foster families, it’s a chance to make a big difference with relatively little commitment—just a few days or weeks in a loving home can have a huge impact on an animal’s wellbeing. 

Most importantly, fostering gives animals the opportunity to get out of the shelter and into a home where they are treated as part of the family. This break from the shelter environment allows many animals to become more comfortable with human interaction, which can increase their chances of being adopted in the future. 

115 Animals Fostered in December 2023 

In December 2023, the Calgary Humane Society sent 115 animals into foster homes, with 68 of them placed during the week leading up to the holidays, from December 17th to 23rd. This included a diverse range of animals, from dogs and cats to birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even a snake. During this week alone, we sent out: 

6 birds 

23 cats 

33 dogs 

1 guinea pig 

4 rabbits 

1 snake 

These numbers reflect the generosity of our foster parents, who help create space in the shelter and give these animals a safe, loving environment to thrive in. While the shelter is closed during the holidays, these foster animals can rest easy in homes that care for them, without the stress of being in an overcrowded environment. It’s truly a holiday gift for them, one that sets the tone for a bright future ahead. 

The Joy of Fostering 

For many foster parents, participating in the Home for the Holidays program is one of the highlights of their year. The joy of providing a safe, loving home to a pet during the busy holiday season is deeply rewarding. The excitement among our foster parents was so great that we began receiving messages about participating in the program before we had even advertised it! As one foster parent shares, “I would be happy to participate in the Home for the Holidays program again this year. It’s such a fulfilling experience to help an animal find some peace during the holidays.” Another foster parent adds, “We would love to be a part of this program. The opportunity to make a difference for an animal in need is something we look forward to every year.” 

The excitement for many is palpable, with others saying, “I’m so excited to be a part of this,” and “I would love to take in a cat or kitten for the holidays!” For many, it’s about offering a temporary haven for animals who may be stressed in the shelter, providing them with a quiet, loving environment where they can feel safe. One foster parent reflects, “Last year, we had a wonderful experience fostering for Home for the Holidays, and we would love to do it again this year. It’s such a wonderful program that allows us to give back during the holiday season.” For these foster parents, fostering is not just about caring for an animal—it’s about making a real difference in their lives, giving them the comfort and love they deserve during a time when it’s needed most. 

One of our most dedicated dog foster parents, Deb, exemplifies the deep connection many foster parents feel with the animals they care for. Deb first joined the Home for the Holidays program as a temporary foster parent. She was so moved by the experience of fostering during the holidays that she transitioned to regular fostering, offering her home to animals in need throughout the year. Her journey shows how the Home for the Holidays program can serve as an introduction to fostering, with many foster parents finding it so rewarding that they continue to provide love and care long after the holidays are over. 

How You Can Help 

If you’re considering fostering over the holidays, we’d love to hear from you! Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience, and it’s easier than you think to get involved. Whether you’re a first-time foster or a seasoned pro, we provide all the support and supplies you’ll need to ensure a successful foster experience. Plus, our team is always here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. 

The holiday season is a time for kindness and compassion, and by fostering an animal, you can make a world of difference. Whether you’re taking in a dog, cat, rabbit, or even a bird, you’re helping give that animal the gift of a peaceful, loving home—at a time when they need it most. 

So, this holiday season, consider becoming a foster parent for an animal in need. It’s the best gift you can give—not only to the animal but also to yourself, knowing that you’ve played a part in giving an animal the love and care they deserve. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for everyone! 

Suzanne Fletcher, Admissions and Foster Manager