Photos of Various Cats by AfroPix
The City of Los Angeles Animal Services Department has put out an urgent call for foster volunteers. July 4th fireworks are expected to fill shelters with lost and scared pets. This is the busiest time of the year, and your help can save space and lives in the city’s shelters. If you can foster a lost pet for 4 days or more, the shelter space can be available for the orphan or abandoned pets that usually fill the shelters.
Last year over the 4th of July weekend, 264 animals came into the East Valley Animal Shelter. “No dogs were euthanized because of the extra space that was made from the generosity of the last-minute foster volunteers. LA Animal Services goal is to repeat this again and help even more pets this year at all six of our City animal shelters.”
To become a foster volunteer, go online to download your application or go to the City animal shelter nearest you and ask for a foster volunteer application. Turn in your completed form at the shelter and you can start fostering that day. If you have been considering adopting a pet but aren’t sure how it will fit into your home and lifestyle, fostering is a great opportunity for a dry run. During this time, the shelters will be working to reunite those lost pets with their guardians.
The shelters are open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shelters will be closed on the Fourth of July. To find the shelter closest to you, visit their website or call (888) 452-7381.
And let this be a reminder to pet guardians. Keep pets inside on the 4th of July. Talk to your vet about ways to keep your pets calm. There are natural tranquilizers, but often putting dogs in tight wraps, giving pets a special treat, playing music or keeping them in a quiet part of the house can help.