Humane Society ask community to foster kittens amid intake increase

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) -The Humane Society of North Central Florida is asking the community to step up as kitten season continues to bring more cats and kittens through its doors.

Shelter officials say they took in more than 28 cats last week alone and are preparing for even more animals through an upcoming kitten surrender program. “We’re anticipating more next week, so we wanted to make that plea to have some fosters lined up,” said Franziska Raeber , the Humane Society’s director of development.

Raeber says foster homes are especially important for young kittens because they provide a safe environment where they can grow and develop before they’re ready for adoption. “A lot of the socializing happens in a home. The more space they have, the more they can run, they can play... and when they’re extremely young, it is often around-the-clock care as well,” she said.

The Humane Society says about 80 percent of the animals currently in its care are already in foster homes, but more volunteers are needed as new animals continue to arrive. Anyone interested in fostering can apply through the Humane Society’s website. Raeber says the organization provides foster families with supplies, training and ongoing support throughout the process.

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