Pet Search: Seeking foster families, volunteers
Since 1986, Pet Search has been building a network of foster families for dogs and cats in need of homes.
Sherry Knight, co-founder of the Washington-based nonprofit, said the organization is an all-volunteer, no-kill animal rescue. They currently have 45 foster families in Washington, Greene, Westmoreland, Allegheny, Beaver, and Butler counties, as well as in West Virginia.
One Southwestern Pennsylvania county is noticeably absent from that list 鈥� Fayette County.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 where our really big need is,鈥� Knight said. 鈥淲e get a ton of phone calls from people needing help in Fayette County. The more foster homes we have, the more animals we can bring into the organization.鈥�
At petsearchpa.org, there are applications available for those interested in becoming foster homes. Some of the information Pet Search will need is whether applicants have other pets and what kind of personalities they have.
Knight added that they will schedule a visit with potential fosters鈥� homes before approval.
One other aspect of the application process is making sure families know that fostering is not forever.
鈥淎re you capable of being able to release that animal, mentally and emotionally, if the right home is found?鈥� Knight said. 鈥淭his becomes our passion. This is our commitment we have made as volunteers.鈥�
Knight said Pet Search takes care to ensure animals are ready for adoption. They are placed with a family after a veterinarian makes sure they are vaccinated and microchipped, and determines what other health issues they may have.
鈥淲e are not the type of rescue to bring in a dog on Monday and put it out for adoption on Tuesday. They could stay in a foster home for weeks,鈥� Knight said.
Knight says there are many other ways to help the organization, too.
Pet Search needs volunteers who are able to take animals to vet visits, check references on adoption applications and walk dogs. They also hold weekly adoption events at pet stores in the region that people can volunteer for.
Of course, donations of money, food, cat litter and toys are also welcome. Donations can be dropped off at 915 Jessop Place, Washington.
鈥淲e were the first all foster-based rescue here in Washington County,鈥� Knight said. 鈥淲e have always done this with a passion and a commitment to help animals in need in our community.鈥�