Animal shelters can be stressful for dogs, but human interaction, such as foster caregiving, can improve their experience. In this webcast, Dr. Gunter will discuss multiple studies she and her team have carried out as part of the Arizona State University/Virginia Tech Maddie’s Nationwide Fostering Study in which they studied the effects of field trip and sleepover programs on the welfare of dogs living in shelters. Their initial studies investigated the physiological impacts of these programs, and their published study examined how field trips and sleepovers influenced dogs’ likelihood of adoption and length of stay. They also explored factors related to the performance of these programs. Overall, their findings support the implementation of these programs. Learn how you can use shortterm fostering programs to improve the welfare of dogs in your shelter as they await adoption.

Speakers: Dr. Lisa Gunter, Assistant Professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare, Virginia Tech and Dr. Sheila Segurson, Director of Community Solutions, Maddie's Fund.