RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Richmond Animal Care and Control is introducing a new program that lets you have a “trial run” before adopting your next furrever friend.

“Just come and chat with us, meet the animals that we have, and see the animals that we have, and hopefully we can find a fit for you,” said Christie Chipps-Peters, director of RACC.

The “Foster to Furrever” program allows potential adopters to spend a week with an RACC dog to see if it’s a perfect match. Just show up at the shelter, choose a pup, and take them home. If you and the animal feel it’s a match, the dog is yours; if not, you can bring them back to the shelter.

Richmond Animal Care and Control is introducing a new program that lets you have a “trial run” before adopting your next furrever friend.

“We want the fit to be great, on both sides, so we want people to feel freedom and have no fear in saying this isn’t right for me, or saying this is the best dog I’ve ever met,” Chipps-Peters said.

Dogs 6 months or older who are spayed/neutered before leaving the shelter are eligible for the program. Participants must also pay a $100 adoption fee.

During the 7-day period, RACC adoption coordinators will be your point of contact for support and help with any questions or concerns.

Richmond Animal Care and Control is introducing a new program that lets you have a “trial run” before adopting your next furrever friend.

“We’ve seen such a stall in our adoptions, primarily adult dog adoptions, moving forward, and we said, ‘You know what, let’s give it a try.’ We literally have nothing else to lose,” Chipps-Peters said.

Chipps-Petters believes the economy and the cost of vet care are causing a drop in adoptions. She adds that this is also happening nationwide and hopes the program will encourage more people to adopt one of their dogs.