Kern County Animal Services needs some community members to help save the lives of homeless and neglected puppies and kittens by becoming a certified foster parent.
In the past six weeks, the shelter has received hundreds of puppies and kittens that are too young to be adopted out and must be placed in foster homes until they are old enough to be adopted. The shelter is looking for good homes for approximately 86 puppies and kittens under the age of 2 months. But officials with KCAS say this is only the beginning of what is known as "kitten and puppy" season, which is why the need for foster parents is critical during this time. The goal of the program is to provide temporary care for these special needs animals until they are ready for adoption. According to KCAS, this time of year the shelter typically sees an increase in young puppies and kittens and even pregnant moms as animals become more active due to the warm weather.
Animals Services says the foster program is another way in which the department partners with the community to save even more lives through adoption. The program, which is quite simple, pairs up foster parents with animals that need a second chance for an adoption. Once in the foster home, they will receive love and care, socialization and medical treatment if necessary. Providing one-on-one care will ensure that the puppies, kittens, adult dogs, cats and even horses will become strong, healthy and well socialized to be better prepared to enter a permanent home when adopted.
To become a foster parent, please call 661-868-7143 or stop by the Bakersfield shelter located at 3951 Fruitvale Avenue to meet with foster staff. Foster applications can also be downloaded at www.co.kern.ca.us/acd. Foster staff will help match up the right pet with the right family, whether they are looking to foster a dog or a cat or whether they are looking for a few weeks or a few months.
KCAS foster staff will help walk fosters through the process and provide support and training if needed to help the foster parents with their new furry friend.
In the past six weeks, the shelter has received hundreds of puppies and kittens that are too young to be adopted out and must be placed in foster homes until they are old enough to be adopted. The shelter is looking for good homes for approximately 86 puppies and kittens under the age of 2 months. But officials with KCAS say this is only the beginning of what is known as "kitten and puppy" season, which is why the need for foster parents is critical during this time. The goal of the program is to provide temporary care for these special needs animals until they are ready for adoption. According to KCAS, this time of year the shelter typically sees an increase in young puppies and kittens and even pregnant moms as animals become more active due to the warm weather.
Animals Services says the foster program is another way in which the department partners with the community to save even more lives through adoption. The program, which is quite simple, pairs up foster parents with animals that need a second chance for an adoption. Once in the foster home, they will receive love and care, socialization and medical treatment if necessary. Providing one-on-one care will ensure that the puppies, kittens, adult dogs, cats and even horses will become strong, healthy and well socialized to be better prepared to enter a permanent home when adopted.
To become a foster parent, please call 661-868-7143 or stop by the Bakersfield shelter located at 3951 Fruitvale Avenue to meet with foster staff. Foster applications can also be downloaded at www.co.kern.ca.us/acd. Foster staff will help match up the right pet with the right family, whether they are looking to foster a dog or a cat or whether they are looking for a few weeks or a few months.
KCAS foster staff will help walk fosters through the process and provide support and training if needed to help the foster parents with their new furry friend.