Fosters needed for four-legged friends
Truro animal shelter seeing an increase in the number of kittens
The Colchester SPCA is giving new meaning to Hello Kitty.
Amber Lynds, an animal care assistant with the shelter in Truro, says kitten season is here and is as busy as ever.
“We are just starting to see the influx (of kittens) in all SPCAs all over Nova Scotia. We will see even more next month,” she recently told The Colchester Wire.
This is the time of year when even more strays come out with their offspring, she said.
“They come out when it’s warmer. They breed and know their young can’t survive in the cold season …” so many kittens are expected to need homes between now and October, Lynds said.
There are a number of kittens in local foster homes already, but more help is needed.
“There are quite a few … 30 … and more coming,” Lynds said, adding the shelter is always looking for more foster homes.
“We have an average of 60 to 70 fosters now but with summer it’s hard because some are on vacation; we lose some,” said Lynds.
To apply to become a foster home, go to the shelter’s website (www.novascotiaspca.ca) and choose Colchester in the ‘find your SPCA’ section.
Kittens that the Colchester SPCA becomes aware of are triaged – like a hospital system Lynds explained – and homed according to need. Those “most desperately in need” of a home are placed first, followed by kittens who are friendly and looking for a home, and then those that have been surrendered by their owner.
“The wait (to foster) is never that long; it’s usually only a week or two,” said Lynds.
When going to a foster home, kittens must be “friendly and patable,” she said.
There are also a variety of items the Colchester SPCA would love to see come in as donations.
“We have a big need for cat food bowls. We are pretty much at the end of what we have,” said Lynds.
Cleaning supplies, including bleach and laundry soap and paper towels, are always required as well.
A few months ago, the shelter said it needed a washing machine. Lynds said they are still looking for a replacement and would accept a donation. A tax receipt would be given for the donation, she said.
Small item donations can be dropped in a bin at the front of the shelter, located at 408 Industrial Ave. in Truro. Arrangements for the pick up of a donated washing machine could be made by calling the shelter.
Another way to help the Colchester SPCA is by participating in its weekly 50/50. The draw takes place every Wednesday. Go to the shelter’s website to get your tickets, of which there’s a choice between spending $5, $10, $20 or $50. Payouts traditionally are a few thousand dollars a week.
For more information on SPCA programs and initiatives, call the shelter at 902893-7968. As of press time, all visits are by appointment only.