This Valentine’s Day, Sacramento County Animal Care Services is offering residents a chance to fall in love in a way that lasts far longer than chocolates or roses — by opening their homes and hearts to a shelter dog in need.
The county is launching Swipe Right on Your Soul Dog: Foster Week, a special Valentine-themed fostering program designed to help people find their perfect canine companion through something far more meaningful than a quick shelter visit. For one week, participants can foster a matched dog at home, getting to know them in real life — morning routines, couch cuddles, walks around the block and all — before deciding if the connection is meant to be forever.
The program is built on a simple belief: the best relationships take time.
Instead of rushed meetings in a loud kennel environment, Foster Week allows dogs to relax and show their true personalities, while families experience what day-to-day life with that dog would really look like. It’s a chance for both sides to say, “Yes — this feels right.”
Residents interested in participating begin by contacting the county’s foster team, who take on the role of modern-day matchmakers. Participants complete a short questionnaire detailing their lifestyle, household and preferences, whether they’re looking for an active hiking buddy, a calm companion for quiet evenings, or something in between. The goal is compatibility, not speed.
Those who already have a dog in mind — maybe one they’ve spotted on social media or the shelter’s website — are encouraged to mention it, though matches are always subject to availability to ensure the best possible fit.
Pickups for Foster Week are scheduled between Feb. 12 and Feb. 15. At the shelter, families meet their matched dog in person before heading home together. The county provides food, supplies and ongoing support throughout the foster period, ensuring participants never feel unprepared or alone.
Then comes the best part.
During that time, foster families experience everything that truly matters — how the dog settles into their home, how they handle quiet time, routines, other pets, family members and everyday moments that can’t be measured in a short shelter visit. It’s about discovering quirks, habits, affection styles and whether that spark deepens into something lasting.
At the end of the week, between Feb. 19 and Feb. 22, families make their decision. If it’s love, the adoption can be finalized. If it’s not quite the right match, the dog returns to the shelter with no guilt and no pressure. The emphasis is always on doing what’s best for both the animal and the human.
Sacramento County officials say that thoughtful matching is the heart of the program. Dogs often behave differently in shelters due to stress and unfamiliar surroundings, and Foster Week allows potential adopters to see who the dog truly is once they feel safe. It’s the difference between a first date and actually spending meaningful time together.
The county is looking for participants who can commit to the full foster period, provide a safe home and are genuinely open to the possibility of adoption. No prior foster experience is required, and the foster team remains available throughout the process to answer questions and offer guidance.
While many foster placements do turn into permanent adoptions, officials emphasize that the real goal is finding the right homes — ones that last.
Shelter dogs, they note, often arrive with training, basic commands and an enormous capacity for love. All they need is someone willing to look past the kennel door and give them time to be seen.
Foster pickup dates run Feb. 12 through Feb. 15, with decision days scheduled for Feb. 19 through Feb. 22. To participate in Swipe Right on Your Soul Dog: Foster Week, emailFoster@saccounty.gov.
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