The Horry County Animal Care Center will host the 'Home for the Pawlidays' foster event for the fourth consecutive year.
Community members will have two chances to temporarily foster shelter animals as part of the program – over the November Thanksgiving and December Christmas holiday periods.
“Our Home for the Pawlidays event is the perfect way for us to partner with our community to raise awareness and help address some of the shelter's critical needs, such as overcrowding and stress reduction for our animals, even if only temporarily.” Captain Crystal Buckingham, executive director of the Animal Care Center, said.
Foster pick-up and return dates are set around the Horry County Government's winter holiday schedule.
The first round of Pawliday fostering is scheduled for Nov. 21 to Dec. 2, 2025. Pets can be picked up anytime during shelter open hours before Thanksgiving, and returned Dec. 1 & 2, 2025.
The second round of Pawliday fostering is scheduled for Dec. 19 to Dec. 30, 2025. Pets can be picked up Dec. 19 & 20, 2025, and returned Dec. 29 & 30, 2025.
This timeline allows pets to be in homes before each holiday and then return to the shelter after.
During both Pawliday rounds, fosters will have the option to extend their foster period or adopt their foster pet.
All foster pets are supported by the ACC during their foster period. The ACC provide supplies as long as it is available to give. However, crates will not be provided during this year’s event. Folks who anticipate needing a crate for their foster pet will need to provide one themselves.
Fostering can help pets adjust to the home environment while receiving extra love and attention as they decompress from the noise of the shelter. Fostering also helps shelter staff learn more about the animal in ways that may not be possible in a shelter environment.
Our goal is to have as many of our shelter pets in foster homes as possible during the Pawlidays.
“The rewarding experience of making a foster pet part of your family is extra heart-warming throughout the holiday season, as they get to spend those special moments surrounded by love and affection. Our ultimate hope is that these relationships help foster successful adoptions.” Captain Buckingham said.
The Horry County Animal Care Center is open Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Follow the Animal Care Center on Facebook for updates.
Find more information about the Horry County Animal Care Center, including an up-to-date list of adoptables, on our website here.