WARREN - The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project animal shelter in Warren allows potential dog owners to foster one of its shelter dogs from Dec. 25 at 11 a.m. to Jan. 1 for the 'Home for the Holidays Pet-Away.'

President Jason Cooke says the program gives individuals and families a chance to foster the dogs while they are off work for the holidays.

"Any opportunity we can get to get these dogs a break from the shelter life, get our volunteers a break, it's very important," he said.

The shelter is designed to house 57 dogs; however, an influx of dogs from across Trumbull County has increased the shelter's population to around 120 dogs.

Cooke says the shelter uses its offices as extra space to fit extra pups.

To sign up for the program, those interested can fill out an application on the shelter's website.

If approved, participants will schedule an appointment where they must provide valid identification and sign a foster agreement and waiver.

Those who foster a dog will receive the necessary amount of food, medicine, and vet care.

Households that already have a dog must bring them to the appointment to meet the pup to ensure they get along.

Cooke adds that around half of the dogs with temporary homes through the program are adopted by the same people who fostered them. 

"Inevitably, we get a phone call later on where they've fallen in love with the dog and can't imagine their life without them," he said.

Those who house a dog for the holidays may continue to foster it past Jan. 1 or return it to the shelter. All dogs at the shelter can be fostered at any point during the year.

Shannon Arkwright, who has volunteered at the shelter since 2019, says she recommends that people adopt a dog from a shelter instead of a breeder.

"There are so many shelter dogs out there, and they need homes," she said.

The shelter also has cats available for adoption, but they are not available to be fostered.