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Protecting Our Pets: Foster the 4th Program Returns
By Staff Writer
Published on Fri, Jun 13, 2025
Independence Day is a vibrant, celebratory time for our community, but it can also be a stressful time for our pets. Through the Foster the 4th program, Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) is calling on residents to help by providing shelter animals a safe place to call home during the Fourth of July holiday period—one of the busiest times of the year for local shelters.
Every year, fireworks season sparks a surge in lost pets, causing animals to panic and flee their homes, run into roadways and create unsafe conditions for animals and drivers alike. As a result, the City’s shelter experiences a sharp uptick in intakes, straining resources.
With LBACS already over capacity, the Foster the 4th program offers a simple and impactful way for the community to make a difference. By fostering an animal—even for just 30 days—residents will help free up critical space at the shelter and reduce the risk of overcrowding.
This year's program kicks off on Friday, June 20 with a special adoption and fostering event from 4 to 7 p.m. at the LBACS Adoption Garden (7700 E. Spring St.), where attendees will be able to meet animals available for fostering and learn more about resources offered by the City and its partners. Additional fostering opportunities will also be available by appointment at LBACS from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24 and Tuesday, July 1. Those interested can schedule an appointment at PetFoster@longbeach.gov.
Becoming a short-term foster is easy for those with space available in their homes and hearts. Those interested will need to commit to a foster for 30 days or longer, submit a foster application online, keep foster pets separate from personal pets to ensure the health and safety of all pets, and provide regular communication with LBACS staff. Selected fosters will be provided veterinary care and go home with supplies for four weeks including food, toys, bowls and a crate.
Foster the 4th is a reminder that our furry friends need our support more than ever during this celebratory, but demanding time. To best protect them, it is important to celebrate safely and with compassion this Independence Day.
With support from the community, the City is working to make this Fourth of July safer for our pets.
