Operation Kindness Blog

Unicorns Wanted: Special fosters for special dogs

Recruiting Unicorn Foster for Animals with Behavioral Needs | Operation Kindness

If you’ve adopted a pet or spent time in an animal shelter, you probably know that the way a pet behaves in the shelter is usually not a reflection of their true personality.

Some dogs are unphased by a noisy shelter environment. But others may bark, pace, defend their food or show other behaviors that make it hard for them to be adopted. Dogs that struggle in the shelter environment are the ones who are most likely to have a tough time getting adopted quickly.

That’s why we’re launching our new Unicorn Foster program!

Developed by Gateway Pet Guardians in St. Louis, their successful program has been moving dogs (who typically would languish in the shelter) into a select group of foster homes. Our staff participated in a course to develop our program. We are proud to have support from Gateway Pet Guardians and Best Friends Animal Society.

What are unicorn fosters?

Dogs chosen for the Unicorn program have behaviors that can improve with training in a home environment. Examples are leash reactivity, resource guarding or separation anxiety.

Our behavior team supports Unicorn fosters with training and one-on-one support from our staff members.

Perks for Unicorn fosters include:

  • Access to special unicorn T-shirts
  • Free photoshoots for your unicorn dogs
  • Access to a members-only Facebook group
  • Training provided by the shelter
  • One-on-one support from the behavior and foster teams

Get started!

If you are ready to change a pet’s life for the better, sign up for the unicorn fostering program today.

Questions about the program? Email our foster team.