A Week in Foster Care Lowers Shelter Dog Stress ^{CEFR B2}

Researchers led by Virginia Tech’s School of Animal Sciences, together with Arizona State University and two shelters in different states, studied how a one-week foster stay affects shelter dog stress. They followed 84 dogs for 17 days: five days in the shelter, seven days with foster families, and five days back in the shelter. To measure stress they collected more than 1,300 urine samples for cortisol analysis and used collar-mounted activity monitors to record rest and activity.

The results showed a significant drop in cortisol during the foster week; the reduction was about twice as large as declines reported in earlier studies of shorter outings. Activity data matched the hormonal findings: dogs rested more while in homes. Importantly, cortisol did not rise above pre-foster levels when dogs returned to the shelter. Dogs reunited with a familiar kennelmate after the foster week rested longer and showed less high activity than dogs returned alone or with a new companion.

These findings build on earlier work showing short outings and brief foster nights boost adoption chances. The authors conclude that foster stays and cohousing familiar dogs are practical, low-cost strategies shelters can adopt now. The full study appears in PeerJ.

• Method: urine cortisol and activity monitors
• Design: 5 days shelter, 7 days foster, 5 days shelter
• Finding: lower stress and more rest in foster homes