Mesa County and the Roice-Hurst Humane Society in Grand Junction will once again join in an effort to find more foster homes for pets.

The Foster Pet Challenge is scheduled to run through Sept. 8 with a goal of recruiting 100 new foster families in 100 days.

Roice-Hurst Humane Society will host a kickoff event set for noon to 3 p.m. June 24 at the Mesa County Courthouse at 544 Rood Ave. in Grand Junction. People can meet pets available for the foster program, learn about the challenge and sign up to participate.

Roice-Hurst provides supplies, vet care and training to foster pet families.

Those unable to provide a foster home to a pet can still contribute to the challenge. Every $150 donated to Roice-Hurst Humane Society through Sept. 28 as part of the Foster Pet Challenge will offset the cost of caring for one foster pet and count toward the goal.

“The Foster Pet Challenge presents an incredible opportunity for animal lovers in Mesa County to make a meaningful difference in the lives of shelter pets,” said Doug Frye, manager of county animal services. “By becoming a foster family, individuals can offer these animals a safe and loving environment, easing the strain on local shelters and helping them find permanent homes.”

Anna Stout, chief executive officer of Roice-Hurst Humane Society, agreed. “One of the most impactful things you can do right now to help the situation our local shelters are facing is to foster a dog or cat for a few days or weeks,” Stout said. “With growing waitlists and desperate pet owners, our biggest constraint is space. Each home that opens its doors to a shelter pet is also creating an available space in a shelter, so you are helping two pets at once. Not to mention the fact it is incredibly rewarding to serve a brief purpose in the journey of a foster pet.”

Mesa County Commissioner Janet Rowland praised efforts to recruit foster families and move pets into homes while they await adoption. “We extend a heartfelt invitation to all compassionate individuals to stand with us in our mission to recruit 100 new foster families within the next 100 days.”

For additional information about the Foster Pet Challenge, visit the website at https://RHhumanesociety.org/foster.