We are thrilled to have been selected to participate in the Maddie’s Fund National Foster Study! In order to participate, we need to place 40 individual dogs into foster for 2 nights within two months, so we’re kicking off a Slumber Party special!
What is a Slumber Party?
Slumber Parties are usually defined as 1-7 night foster stays, but as we are participating in a study of short term fostering which requires fosters to stick to a 2 night stay. Short term fostering helps us get to know a dog’s personality outside of the stressful shelter environment, gather some great promo to show off those goofy quirks, and better match them with the forever home of their dreams! Plus, the dog gets to relax away from all the bustle and noise.
What dogs can be fostered for a Slumber Party?
Dogs are pre-selected for short term foster based on health status, behavior, and length of time in the shelter. Most dogs who qualify are pit bull type dogs of all sizes, ages, and energy levels! We will match you with a dog based on your experience with dogs, where you plan to go with the dog, and who else the dog will need to get along with in the home.
Who can foster a dog for a Slumber Party?
Fosters must be 18 years of age or older, live within an hour and a half driving of ACCT Philly main site (111 W Hunting Park Ave), and have a valid photo ID. Otherwise, you just need to love pit bull type dogs!
How do I get started?
There are a two different ways to get started:
Make an appointment: We have a limited number of appointment slots viewable here to process short term fosters.
In person: You are also welcome to come into our Adoptions Office (111 W Hunting Park Ave) during open adoption and foster hours (1-7pm weekdays, 10am-4pm weekends) to have your short term foster processed first come, first serve! Our Adoptions staff will match you with a good fit for your home, counsel you, and send you out with a dog! Please bring a photo ID and leave resident dogs at home. We will ask you to keep resident pets separate from the foster dog during their short stay in your home.
Where can I take my foster dog?
We recommend going on a neighborhood stroll, a walk in the park, or just chilling at home! Some of our dogs are up for a hike and others would love to just watch Netflix with you. Please avoid areas where there are likely to be off leash dogs or *lots* of dogs (dog parks, heavily frequented trails, pet stores) as this can be unpredictable and stressful for your foster dog.
Can my foster dog meet my resident pets?
We ask that you keep the foster dog separated from resident pets in the home during the length of their foster stay to avoid any stressful interactions. However, you are welcome to go on leashed walks with one adult handler per dog with any resident dogs or known dog-social dogs in your life. If the walk-along goes well, you can progress to dropped leash interaction and play in an enclosed area. Please keep a leash on your foster dog at all times and supervise these interactions.
Can I post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.?
Absolutely! When you take a dog home for a Slumber Party, we encourage you to post cute photos and videos on your social media to help give the dog exposure to a whole new network of people. Tag @acctphilly and be sure to include the dog’s name, A#, and any positive qualities they have. This type of exposure increases the dog’s chances of getting adopted, sometimes even before they need to step paw back in the shelter!
How do I return my dog?
When it’s time to bring your foster dog back to the shelter, you’ll schedule a return with the link provided. Returns are processed at the front desk 8am-8pm weekdays, 8am-6pm weekends. Send any additional pictures, video, and personality notes you’ve gathered during your time with your foster dog to dogbehavior@acctphilly.org!
What if I fall in love? Can I adopt my Slumber Party dog?
Absolutely! Simply email adopt@acctphilly.org. We will ask that you come back to the shelter so that we can complete appropriate paperwork, do our routine adoption counseling, and have you pay our adoption fee. Your dog does not need to be present while you complete the paperwork!
I want to help, but I can’t short term foster a dog myself. Is there anything else I can do?
Certainly! We’re always looking for volunteers to socialize with our dogs onsite, take them out on Doggie Dates, and help with simple administrative tasks both onsite and from home. Another way to help is to donate items that we need to run the program. You can check out the items we need on our Amazon Wishlist here.
I still have questions! How do I get answers?
If you have questions about Slumber Parties or other foster programs, we would love to answer them! Please email adopt@acctphilly.org for more information.
