Pet maternity wards are overflowing at animal shelters across the metroplex due to an influx of pregnant dogs and cats, as well as nursing moms with young litters. To save more lives, Dallas Animal Services and Operation Kindness are teaming up to find foster families for these young furry families.
“Warm summer months lead to a larger number of litters being born, which means more animals are in need of care right now,” said Natalie Buxton, director of marketing and communications for Operation Kindness. “We provide fostering opportunities in these situations so that all vulnerable animals have the time they need to flourish in a temporary environment until they’re ready to be adopted.”
Newborn puppies and kittens are extremely vulnerable to illness and have specialized needs, so an animal shelter is not the ideal place for them to grow and thrive. Foster families need only to provide a safe environment and loving care – Dallas Animal Services and Operation Kindness will provide the rest; both organizations provide all medical care for pets in their foster care programs. Additionally, Operation Kindness is extending their foster family resources, as available, to foster families who volunteer with Dallas Animal Services including food, litter and toys. The length of foster care depends upon the situation and the animal. A stay can range anywhere from two weeks to two months.
“Fostering a nursing mom and litter is one of the most rewarding foster cases you can take on,” said Ed Jamison, director of Dallas Animal Services. “Keep Mom fed and happy with a clean and comfortable space and she will literally do all the hard work for you!”
Fostering is extremely important as it frees up valuable space in the shelter environment, allowing Dallas Animal Services and Operation Kindness to humanely care for more animals until they are ready to be safely adopted into a forever home.
Anyone over the age of 18 years-old can sign up to foster and attend training with either organization.
To become a foster parent, you can either:
- Attend a DAS foster orientation at 1818 N. Westmoreland Road at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays or 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays or Sundays.
- Register with Operation Kindness at operationkindness.org/foster.
