City’s animal shelter announces foster program partnership

November 3, 2023

Just in time for the holiday season, Minneapolis Animal Care & Control (MACC), in partnership with Secondhand Hounds, is introducing the Pawsitive Impact Foster Program to help local dogs in Minnesota find a forever home.

This partnership allows Secondhand Hounds to connect dogs who have been struggling in a shelter environment with willing foster homes in our community while also placing them in a foster home versus a shelter environment while the dogs are under MACC’s care.

Pawsitive Impact is launching in time for the holiday season with the hopes of finding new homes for as many dogs as possible.

“Fostering over the holidays gives our shelter pets a warm and welcoming home over the holiday season,” said Madison Weissenborn, MACC Volunteer Coordinator and Community Partnership Coordinator. “Home for the Holidays is also a great way for new foster families to dip their toe into the world of fostering since it is only a three-to-four-day commitment. Clearing our shelter also helps our staff who are working over the holidays as they have more time to spoil the pets that don’t have the opportunity to be in a home.”

MACC began their foster program in May of 2022 and since then around 750 animals have gone into foster homes.

Those looking to take part in this foster program can contact Minneapolis Animal Care and Control.

“It is very easy to sign up to foster, and it truly saves the lives of our most overlooked population of shelter dogs,” said Weissenborn. “Minneapolis Animal Care and Control and Secondhand Hounds will provide all of the supplies, mentorship, and a community of like-minded individuals who share the same passion to save them all.”

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control works with residents to create safe and healthy communities for people and animals. Its staff includes two veterinarians, three veterinary technicians, four animal care technicians and a dozen animal control officers who, among other things, rescue animals, enforce laws pertaining to animal welfare and investigate animal crimes. In addition to staff, volunteers spent more than 7,000 hours of their time working with animals at the shelter. More information on adopting animals, volunteering, and supporting Animal Care & Control is available on the City website.

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