“Springtime is definitely kitten time at BARC,” said Jennifer Barrera Wandrey, BARC outreach manager. “People assume kittens found alone have been abandoned so they bring them to the shelter, but most of the time the mother is nearby and will return.”
There will be two opportunities to participate in Kitten Care 101 Classes. The classes will provide information and training on various cat related topics including what to do if you find a kitten. Both classes are open to the public and can sign up by emailing barcfoster@houstontx.gov.
Sunday, April 28 • 1:00-2:00pm
Friends For Life Animal Shelter
107 E 22nd Street
Houston, TX 77008
Sunday, May 19 • 10:00-11:00am
BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions Center
2700 Evella Street
Houston, TX 77026
Each year, well-meaning Houstonians come across seemingly abandoned kittens and rush them to shelters. Unfortunately, these good intentions may significantly decrease the kitten’s chances of survival. Kittens’ immune systems are fragile, and their care is often labor-intensive, making them the most vulnerable inhabitants of a shelter. It is best to leave kittens alone and watch for the mother cat to return within 3 to 4 hours. Residents should only bring kittens to the shelter if the kittens or their mother are sick, injured, or in immediate danger.
The simplest, but most powerful thing, Houstonians can do to help pets throughout the community is to foster, volunteer, donate and adopt. If you are unable to permanently adopt a pet but would like to help animals in need, BARC encourages you to consider becoming a volunteer or a foster pet parent. By getting animals into foster homes, shelters have more space for additional animals as they enter the shelter system across Houston.
About BARC
BARC, the City of Houston’s Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, takes in more than 25,000 animals annually regardless of behavior, breed, or medical condition. BARC works each day to improve the health and safety of Houstonians and their pets by pioneering programs such as low cost and no cost spay/neuter services, mobile adoptions, transfer/rescue partnerships, and community outreach. Through these programs and with support from community partners, BARC’s live release rate has improved from single-digits in 2009 to an 84.7% in 2018.
Visit www.houstonbarc.com or www.houstonbarcfoundation.org for more information.
About Friends For Life
At Friends For Life, every animal matters. Founded in 2002, Friends For Life introduced the no-kill shelter model to Houston – saving animals regardless of their breed, age or condition. Friends For Life helps Houstonians care for their pets – with direct programs like a free pet food bank, spay/neuters and behavior training. Friends For Live works toward a vision of a community where all animals have a safe home, and where pet owners have the resources to care for the animals they love.
Learn more at www.friends4life.org
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