Residents encouraged to foster a shelter dog over the holidays

Published on November 17, 2025

Oklahoma City Animal Welfare invites the community to give shelter dogs a much-needed break from their kennels through the Home for the Holidays program.

Community members aged 18 and older can “flash foster” an adoptable dog, providing them with comfort and care outside the OKC Animal Shelter for up to two weeks. At the end of the foster period, participants can either return the dog or start the adoption process.

“Home for the Holidays not only gives pets a chance to relax in a home environment but also helps them gain valuable exposure to potential adopters during the busy holiday season,” Development Services Director Brock Rowe said. “The holidays are about giving, and this is a chance to give a dog something they truly need, care, comfort and a place to belong. A short stay in a home helps them relax, feel loved and often opens the door to adoption. It is one of the best gifts anyone can give this season.”

All participating dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations and preventatives. Dogs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on availability at the Shelter.

Those interested in the program can visit OKC Animal Welfare, 2811 SE 29th St., Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Home for the Holidays will run through the end of the year, and participants are encouraged to foster another shelter dog once their previous foster is returned or adopted. For more information, visit okc.gov/animal-welfare.

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Media Contact

Jazmin Yim

Jazmin.yim@okc.gov

405-297-1061