HOUSTON – Houston Humane Society is looking for fosters to help with incoming litters of puppies and kittens. In our Pet of the Week segment, Foster Coordinator Bree Porter introduces our viewers to three young puppies who were saved from a city shelter when they came in without their mother.
“Without a foster home, we would not have been able to accept these,” she said.
When Houston Humane is notified about puppies or kittens either at a public shelter or newborns found outside alone, having a volunteer lined up and ready to foster is a literal lifesaver. When someone is available to provide a warm, clean environment with regular bottle feedings, Houston Humane is able to set the foster up with all the supplies they need and support they need. They also work with every foster’s schedule to make it as easy as possible.
“The commitment is flexible so you don’t get burned out,” said Porter.
Porter also said if you find kittens left alone in your neighborhood, wait a bit to see if the mom returns.
She is likely out hunting for food and may come back; if, however, it’s been several hours and she still hasn’t returned, it’s time to intervene.
“At that point you want to get the kittens on heat support, babies this young can’t regulate their body temperature,” Porter says. “Once they’re warm, you can attempt a bottle feeding and you can contact your local animal shelters to see if they can assist. But, again, without a foster, we would not be able to take them in.”
It underscores how vital fostering is to help save lives. However, if you can’t foster, Houston Humane always appreciates monetary donations, big or small.
“It’s not cheap to take care of babies,” says Tiana Bell, HHS Marketing Associate. “We are running our Spring Surge Donation Fund and everything donated helps us take care of all of the babies in the shelter, from food to medical supplies.”
For more information on fostering or making a donation, visit HoustonHumane.org. The three puppies featured in this segment are too young to be adopted, but will be ready for loving homes next month.