AAC Hosts Summer Camp For Shelter Dogs

“Adopters make an emotional connection to a dog they can picture living in their home or snuggling with their family and sometimes that’s difficult to do at the shelter…” said Lorian Epstein, large dog foster coordinator at AAC.

Austin Animal Center is hosting the second annual Summer Camp Foster program for dogs living at the shelter. The Summer Camp program is an opportunity for members of the public to be a short-term foster for a dog in desperate need of a break from their kennel.

AAC is asking that fosters keep their canine-campers for at least 2 weeks but if they’re having a great time, they can keep them longer!

In addition to providing basic care supplies, AAC gives Camp foster families a goodie bag with treats and toys for their foster dog plus tons of activity and training ideas to keep their camper entertained and having the best summer ever.

Group hikes, social events and training classes are also offered to summer-campers only.

Canine-campers can be picked up on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays between 11a.m. – 7p.m. at the Austin Animal Center on 7201 Levander Loop.

Previous foster experience is not necessary, staff will complete paperwork on the spot and help match fosters with a dog who is perfect for their lifestyle and home.

The goal of the program is two-fold: give the dogs a break from shelter life where they can relax in a home, and to also create adoption advocates for the dogs.

AAC provides fosters with dog marketing tips and tricks in hopes the dogs can be adopted right out of Summer Camp, instead of having to return to the shelter.

“Adopters make an emotional connection to a dog they can picture living in their home or snuggling with their family and sometimes that’s difficult to do at the shelter because the stress level of the dog is generally high,” said Lorian Epstein, large dog foster coordinator at AAC. “But in a foster home the dog is more relaxed and their true personality shines through.”

Interested Summer Camp fosters can learn more about the program here.