If you’ve got an extra seat—or even just a cozy spot on the floor—this Thanksgiving, you might have room for a very special guest: a cat or dog in need of a holiday foster home.
Best Friends Animal Society, a national no-kill organization, is encouraging families to open their hearts (and homes) to pets who could use a little holiday cheer. It’s simple: you pick up your foster pet from your local shelter, they supply everything you need—food, treats, toys, even a crate. You provide the love, belly rubs, and maybe a few awkward family photos.
After Thanksgiving, your furry guest heads back to the shelter to continue their search for a forever home. But here’s the catch: if you fall in love (and let’s be honest, you probably will), you can adopt or keep fostering. Win-win!
Pro tip: While those puppy-dog eyes might beg for turkey scraps, resist the urge. Rich holiday foods can upset their stomach—or worse. Instead, spoil them with pet-safe treats like pumpkin or applesauce. They’ll thank you with tail wags and purrs.
So, if you’ve got room for one more this Thanksgiving, consider making it the cutest guest at the table. Be sure to reach out to your local shelter to arrange to be a Thanksgiving foster!