Clear the Shelters: Foster families help BrightSide care for animals awaiting forever homes

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) - KTVZ is partnering with NBC for Clear the Shelters, a nationwide campaign that promotes pet adoption and supports animal shelters across the country.

Throughout the month, KTVZ is highlighting local shelters and the different ways Central Oregonians can help animals in need.

BrightSide Animal Center understands that not everyone can adopt an animal, but there are other ways community members can make a difference, including becoming a foster.

“In total, we have 120 animals in our care right now, including cats and dogs,” said Savannah Wellman with BrightSide. “That is a mix between here at the shelter and also in fosters, so we rely pretty heavily on our foster base.”

Fostering gives animals like Teddy a break from the shelter while they wait for permanent homes.

Teddy has been at BrightSide for about nine months, far longer than the shelter’s average stay.

“Some of our adult, larger dogs typically spend about a month or two months here at the shelter,” Wellman said. “But our average length of stay is about a month.”

Teddy has recently been staying with a foster family, giving him opportunities to enjoy new experiences outside the shelter.

“They’ve really taken to Teddy, and they see what we see: an amazing dog who just needs some stability, some structure and someone to really give him some time,” Wellman said.

Teddy’s adoption fee is currently waived.

Anyone interested in meeting Teddy or one of the other animals still searching for a permanent home can visit BrightSide Animal Center in Redmond. The shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday.