Having a dog or cat spend a few days or weeks with you at home does more than give animal shelters a little extra breathing room as they fill up. The Wisconsin Humane Society relies on its network of foster families to take on some of its furry guests as space and time permits. It is especially important for its “benchwarmer” animals that have an extended stay at their facilities. Its upcoming “Benchwarmer Tryouts” program allows homeowners to get a taste of being a foster home for WHS residents or potentially find a permanent fur buddy to welcome to their family. WHS Green Bay and Door County Campus Media Specialist Corey Viars says giving the animals time outside their facilities is good for their health and helps their chances of finding their forever home.

Viars hopes that the benchwarmer tryouts program, coupled with a discounted adoption fee through the end of the month, will help a few of their animals find a family to call their own. He adds that WHS is always looking for foster families to house some of its pets.