According to new research from PeerJ, reuniting shelter dogs with familiar kennel mates after their stay may help them adjust more easily, and providing them with a full week in a home setting can greatly enhance their well-being.

The study, which was published this month in PeerJ, looked at the effects of weeklong fostering on the stress levels and levels of activity of dogs housed in two different U.S. animal shelters. More than 80 dogs were followed by researchers from Arizona State University and Virginia Tech as they were taken from the shelter to a caregiver's house for seven days before returning.

Stress Levels Drop in Homes

Researchers used the hormone cortisol, which is frequently elevated in animals that are anxious or uncomfortable, to measure stress. The researchers discovered that dogs' cortisol levels were lower in foster homes than in shelters, and that these lower stress levels did not suddenly increase once the dogs returned. Dogs also spent more time sleeping during the week at their foster homes, indicating that they were more at ease and relaxed away from the claustrophobic, noisy shelter setting.

According to one of the study's authors, "these results show that extended time in a peaceful home setting isn't just a brief escape for shelter dogs, it can have meaningful benefits for their welfare"

Familiar Friends Help Too

A smaller examination of the effects of allowing dogs to live with one another was part of the study. Housing dogs with a kennel mate did not appear to alter their stress levels prior to the fostering period. However, compared to dogs kept alone or with an unfamiliar companion, those who were reunited with a familiar friend at the shelter after the weeklong foster stay slept more and were less hyperactive. According to researchers, social ties can significantly impact dogs' comfort, particularly during trying times.

Real World Benefits for Shelters and Dogs

This study supports mounting evidence that foster care can significantly enhance the quality of life for animals in shelters. Even brief excursions or overnight stays can aid dogs in acclimating and locating permanent homes more quickly, according to previous research by the same team.

Promoting longer foster stays and considerate co-housing could be a reasonably inexpensive way to improve animal welfare for shelters that are frequently overburdened with space and resources.These programs are beneficial not only for the health of the dogs but also for their chances of being adopted, according to shelter staff and animal advocates, as calmer, more laid-back dogs may be more receptive to prospective new homes.