A rescue group in the Washington, DC, area is helping to match foster families with dogs otherwise facing euthanization.
Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation has received a large number of requests from people wanting to foster or adopt an animal amid the coronavirus pandemic, People reports. There’s been a push for pet fostering as a way to stave off loneliness (and help animals) in a time of social distancing.
Many shelters are struggling as they’re short on staff and resources. In many cases, they’ve closed due to COVID-19-related restrictions.
People reports that Lost Dog and Cat “has joined forces with southern partners in Mississippi, Georgia, and the Carolinas whose members have been plucking dogs from death’s door.” They’re bringing animals from kill shelters in the South to DC, where there’s a critical mass of people looking to adopt them.
“As each day in March became more dismal and terrifying, we began to see an increase in people wanting to adopt a new family pet,” said Pam McAlwee, co-founder of Lost Dog and Cat.
McAlwee said the organization is adopting out 60 to 70 dogs per week, which is double the usual number.
Read more at the People