Humane Society in need of short-term foster homes for animals

MURRAY — The Humane Society of Utah is reporting a greater-than-usual need for available foster homes because of the increasing number of animals being brought to its facility.

The HSU Foster Care department is looking for volunteers willing to take "mama" cats with kittens too young to be placed for adoption, kittens without a mother cat who are in need of round-the-clock bottle-feeding and kittens who are no longer being bottle-fed but still need several weeks in a home until they are old enough to be adopted.

Occasionally, the Humane Society needs foster homes for young puppies with or without the mother dog, too.

There is also need for adult dogs to be socialized. In these cases, some animals are just "cage-shy," while others become depressed from being institutionalized at the shelter — causing them to stop eating. From time to time, adult dogs just need peace and quiet to recover while receiving medications.

Those who wish to volunteer for the Humane Society's Foster Care program can expect to have animals in their home anywhere from approximately three weeks to three months. Family pets already in the home must be vaccinated, including Bordetella vaccinations to prevent kennel cough.

"Foster parents serve a vital role for the Humane Society — a rewarding role that saves lives," said foster care coordinator Barb Conrad, who started the program in 2003.

While foster families are asked to provide all food, toys, kitty litter and love, the Humane Society provides all necessary medical care.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Barb Conrad at bconrad@utahhumane.org or by calling 801-261-2919, ext. 215.