The Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center’s

Kitten Foster Program

Thank you for your interest in the Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center’s Kitten Foster Program! This program allows us to provide a loving environment for the babies until they are ready to go through the adoption process.

Caring for kittens is a lot like caring for human babies. Depending on their age, they may require bottle feeding every few hours, assistance with elimination, temperature regulation and/or socialization.

As a foster parent, we require a few things:

*Your participation in a 30 minute training orientation, so that you can learn what you need to do, how the program works and have your questions answered.

*A separate area in your home to keep kittens away from other pets. Ideally, this should be someplace that can be easily cleaned and disinfected.

*Your commitment to taking care of our babies until they are ready to be spayed or neutered.

*Adherence to the foster kitten examination schedule provided with the kittens.

BCAS will provide you with the following:

*All supplies for taking care of the foster kittens-food, litter, litter boxes,a crate, towels, etc.

*Access to information that will answer any questions.

*Veterinary staff to monitor the kittens, provide them with vaccines and any necessary medical care.

Frequently asked Questions:

What types of kittens are available to foster?

*Moms with babies: nursing mother with her litter. Mom needs three meals a day. Once the kittens wean, mom will come back to the shelter and the kittens will remain in foster until they are old enough for spay/neuter.

*Bottles Babies: kittens that have come in without their mothers and need around the clock care, including feedings every 2-4 hours, assistance with elimination and a warm quiet space.

*Young Ones: kittens less than  8 weeks old that are not big enough to be spayed or neutered. They need lots of play time, feedings 3-4 times a day and a place away from other animals.

*Unsocialized: kittens of varying ages that may be ‘hissy/spitty’  and uncomfortable with human interaction. They need time to learn to trust and frequent interaction with their foster family.

Why do I need a separate place for the foster kittens?

Kittens sent out to foster are generally too young to be tested for contagious diseases like FIV/FeLV. They may get colds or have a parasite that can be transmitted to your personal pets.

How long will I have  the kittens?

Kittens can be spayed/neutered at two pounds for males and 2.5 pounds for females. Depending on the age of the kittens you are working with, they can stay with you for anywhere from 2-9 weeks.

Is there someplace I can share pictures/stories of my fosters?

Yes! We have a Facebook Group (BCAS Foster Volunteers) where our fosters ask questions, tell stories and get input on the kittens. The page is monitored by the Foster Coordinators and Vet Techs from the shelter, as well as peer volunteers. This is a great resource for both experienced and first time fosters.

All this sounds great!!! What do I need to do to become a foster?

Simply stop into the shelter and fill out an application. You will be contacted to participate in our annual meeting. For more information about the Foster Program, please call the Shelter at (201) 229-4610 and ask for Renee or Rose C.

The Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center

100 United Lane

Teterboro, NJ  07608

(201) 229-4600

http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/bcas

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Bergen County Animal Shelter pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please call them directly for more information on the program.