Santa Rosa County Animal Services launches holiday foster program

Santa Rosa County Animal Services is offering pet lovers a chance to foster animals over the upcoming holidays through its "Home for the Pawlidays" program, providing temporary homes for shelter pets during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The program runs in two sessions: November 18 through December 3 for Thanksgiving, and December 14 through January 4 for Christmas. Interested foster parents can complete an application, and staff will match them with a pet based on the home environment and animal needs. All pets currently available for adoption online are eligible for fostering.

The shelter covers all foster expenses, including food, toys, treats, harnesses, and leashes. Foster families are encouraged to share photos, videos, and behavioral observations with staff — insights that help the shelter better understand each animal and prepare potential adopters. Those who decide to permanently adopt their foster pet will have adoption fees waived.

According to Santa Rosa County, the program gives shelter animals a break from institutional life and temporarily reduces the number of pets in care during the busy holiday season. Interested residents can call the shelter at 850-983-4680 for more information or to schedule a time to meet animals before fostering.