‘Ticket to Ride,’ new county foster program hopes to alleviate shelter overcrowding
Athena Jreij
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) — The Riverside County Department of Animal Services is getting ready to launch a new foster program aimed at getting more animals into fur-ever homes.
‘Ticket to Ride,’ would provide a temporary home to animals in transition between shelters. It’s asking foster volunteers to house pets between 2 to 4 weeks prior to adoption, if needed.
“We have people from out-of-state wanting to adopt. They’re not actually being transported to other shelters. They’re going to adopters. But sometimes getting those transports together was a conundrum. How do we figure out what to do with the dog or cat or bird or fish, or whatever it is until that transport can be arranged. And that’s how the concept of Ticket to Ride came,” Mary Martin, RCDAS Director said.
It comes as the county has received widespread criticism from animal advocates that a strong foster program is lacking.
Erin Hyland, a local foster dog mom, says her community welcomes the program but is approaching it with cautious optimism.
“We have been asking for this. Prior to the county stepping in and trying new fostering programs, it has all been 100% on the rescues,” Hyland said.
She’s currently fostering Bear, an 18-month old dog that was turned over to her after someone lost housing.
Martin and Hyland say this program should attract more fosters, since pets are already set up to be adopted.
“What’s particularly interesting to a lot of fosters about this program is it has a beginning, a middle and an end,” Martin said.
Hyland says the work to alleviate shelter overcrowding goes beyond the county’s scope.
“A big challenge are these antiquated policies on weight and breed restrictions. That’s why so many dogs are entering in the shelter in the first place. It’s the same with 55 plus communities or some of the expanded care for their older citizens. Make more communities where they’re able to bring their pets with them as they transition into long term care,” Hyland said.
If you’re interested in participating with Ticket to Ride, email foster@rivco.org.
If you’re interested in adopting Bear, Hyland’s foster dog, email her at erin@readwithmevolunteer.org.