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.
“Foster care providers are critical to our efforts to save lives,” said Foster/Rescue Coordinator, Violet Pina. “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. Kitten season is one of our busiest times of the year so we need all of the help we can get.”
Residents interested in becoming fosters should
submit a foster application to
FosterRescueProgram@saccounty.net. The shelter provides all food, bedding, supplies, toys and more at no cost to the foster. Fostering is a great way to help alleviate the impact of kitten season at your local shelter and can provide temporary companionship for those still working from home.
However, working outside of the home doesn’t need to be an impediment to becoming a foster; most animals in foster care do not require constant monitoring. Typically, animals who need fostering are kittens and puppies less than two months old.
As far as space for fostering, a bathroom, laundry room or spare bedroom is typically appropriate. The time commitment for fostering can be anywhere from one to six weeks, depending on the animal’s size at the time of fostering. Additional foster needs include caring for sick or injured animals, nursing mothers and litters, giving animals a break from the shelter, and more.
Donations of essential kitten season supplies are also needed, including:
- Kitten formula and kitten food (most needed)
- Small litter pans
- Heating pads
- Small nursing bottles
- Small pet carriers
Donations are accepted at 3839 Bradshaw Road, Tuesday through Sunday, between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. For a complete list of supplies needs, visit the shelter’s
Amazon Wishlist or the
donation website.
