Animal shelters around the country are gearing up for what is known as “kitten season,” when cats begin to give birth to countless kitten litters. Typically beginning in late spring and continuing throughout summer, kitten season stretches the already-thin resources animal shelters and rescues have when the influx of unwanted kittens and cats crowd shelter and kennel space.
The Bradshaw Shelter’s Foster Care Program helps save lives and space during this hectic season.
“Fostering animals provides a second chance at life for animals who are too young, sick or injured to be available for adoption,” said Dave Dickinson, Director, Sacramento County Bradshaw Animal Shelter. “Fosters provide a safe, loving, temporary place to live where the animals can thrive until they are ready to be adopted to their forever homes.”
Residents interested in becoming fosters should attend a one-hour foster orientation, provided once a month at the Bradshaw Shelter. The shelter provides all food, bedding, supplies, toys and more at no cost to the foster.
Working full time doesn’t need to be an obstruction to becoming a foster; most animals in foster care do not require constant monitoring. Typically, most animals who need fostering are kittens and puppies less than two months old.
As far as space for fostering, typically just a bathroom, laundry room or spare bedroom is appropriate. The time commitment for fostering can be anywhere from 1-6 weeks, depending on their size at the time of needing a foster.
Additional foster needs include caring for sick or injured animals, nursing mothers and litters, animals who need a break from the shelter and more.
For more information, including orientation days and times and fostering FAQs, visit the Sacramento County Bradshaw Animal Shelter website.
