Humane Society 'Extremely Over Capacity' With Dogs, Fosters Needed

HOMEWOOD, IL — A south suburban humane society is over capacity and in dire need of foster homes, staff said on social media.

South Suburban Humane Society—with locations in Homewood and Matteson—is "extremely over capacity" with dogs and asking for volunteers to foster. Julia Bowling, director of foster care for the humane society, issued the plea for help Monday morning.

The society's Matteson location is currently housing 73 dogs; the Homewood location has 22, and there are 95 in the foster program.

"We are extremely over capacity at our shelter, and we could use some help from people willing to foster, even if just for a few weeks!" Bowling wrote. "We have so many dogs, we know there's a friend for anyone that comes in."

Bowling said the humane society's foster program is "very easy-going.

"Our goal is to educate foster parents and help get everyone into foster care!" she told Patch. "We supply everything, and cover all medical expenses for foster pets under the shelter.

"The only job of the foster parent is to just provide love and support, and sometimes training in the home."

The length of fostering can vary, Bowling said.

"... It all depends on the case they take in," she said. "Foster parents get to choose the dog they take in from the options we give to them."

Bowling mentioned Hugh, a 1-year-old dog that's been at the shelter since early-March. Hugh was found as a stray by Lynwood Police, and is injured in his right hip. The injury will require surgery—scheduled for this week—and he'll need a comfy, safe foster space for six weeks to recover, Bowling said.

The cost of the surgery, any medications and after-care will be covered by the shelter.

"... Our foster program placed 1,500-2,000 animals a year into homes, and we're always looking for people to help us save even more lives," Bowling said. "Anyone can foster—literally anyone!"

Anyone interested in fostering can email Bowling at foster@southsuburbanhumane.org.