Foster, or Adopt? SDHS Launches a New “Adoption Trial Program” to Bridge the Gap
Taking a test drive only makes sense before making a big commitment. Should the same be said for pet ownership?
This month, the San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) launched a new Adoption Trial Program, which the organization describes as designed for potential adopters who want to see how a pet fits into their home before making a lifelong commitment.
While this might sound an awful lot like foster—which is a process that involves short-term boarding and care for pets while they seek “forever” homes—the SDHS instead says the Adoption Trial Program will be something of a bridge between all-out adopting and fostering. The Program itself will marshal the help of “trial adopters,” who will bring home adult pets older than seven months, intending to adopt them.
The difference is that they will have a sort of 14-day trial period, during which the animal can be returned if the trial adopter deems they and the pet are not a good match for whatever reason. And pretty much anyone is eligible to be a trial adopter, granted they live within the jurisdiction of the SDHS.
Additionally, it’s helpful to know that SHDS already has adoption rules similar to this. Specifically, people who adopt pets through the SDHS can return the animal for any reason they’d like. But the difference with the new program is that payment, and final adoption paperwork is delayed for the 14-week trial period under the new program. That’s designed to help take the pressure to commit and pay outstanding fees immediately.
“You can think of it like a test run,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society, in a statement. “If there is a specific pet you want to bring home, we want you to try things out and see if it is a good fit. It is a win-win — potential adopters don’t feel pressure to commit right away, and pets get a break from the stressful shelter environment, which also opens space for more animals who need our help.”
If you’re interested, the SDHS could use help. It has hundreds of animals in search of a home, and on average, they spend about 50 days at the SDHS shelter. And lately, the number of animals in need of a home has surged—specifically for dogs. If you’re interested in adopting a pet, you can check out one of the SDHS locations in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, or San Diego proper.
As for our take on the new program? Anything that helps pets find owners is likely a good idea and helpful. If this does prove out, and the program’s successful at making adoptions more efficient, that’ll be good news for everyone—pets, people, and the community at large.
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