Animal House Shelter Is Looking For Foster Homes

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The number of homeless dogs and cats generally skyrockets during this time of year, and authorities say reducing that number does not necessarily mean a full-time commitment.

Animal House Shelter in Huntley is looking for foster homes for some of their four legged residents. Older animals, those with special needs and those battling illness tend to struggle to adjust to shelter life, meaning many need to be put in foster care.

But Cindy Ritter, the shelter's director, explains which animals are at the top of that list. WBBM's Andy Dahn reports.

"We don't want to house young puppies and kittens at the shelter," Ritter says. "Their immune systems aren't as good as the adult dogs. Being around so many other animals, they're at a much higher risk for getting sick."

There are certainly families that get attached to their foster pets.

"We kind of lovingly refer to those as our foster failures," Ritter says. "It's somewhat common that foster homes will end up falling in love with the animal that they're fostering."

More information about Animal House Shelter and animal foster care can be found at www.animalhouseshelter.com.