Mar 29, 2008

Kittens dominate Humane Society's 'baby season'

Lindsay Reynolds / Daily News columnist

As April approaches, animal shelters around the country are preparing for "baby season." Given that Peninsula Humane Society and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals cares for domestic and wild animals, the crunch is even more challenging. During spring through early fall, the organization receives an incoming flood of kittens and baby birds that require special care.

Here's where you come in: PHS/SPCA needs volunteers to help foster kittens, care for kittens in the organization's new on-site nursery and assist feeding and caring for baby birds. These unique, seasonal volunteer opportunities give volunteers a direct hand in giving tiny creatures the start in life they need.



Caring for kittens in the nursery

People who love kittens know they are the most vulnerable group in a shelter setting. The volunteer role is seasonal (March through August). Kittens will need to be fed three times daily by hand with a syringe. We'll have three shifts daily (7 to 10 a.m., 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.) and would like volunteers to commit to at least one shift per week. Nursery volunteers also will clean cages and note any health issues, which the veterinary staff will address. Contact Dayna Pesenti at 650-340-7022, ext. 378 for info.



Fostering kittens at home

Volunteers offer temporary care for kittens when they no longer require immediate supervision or evaluation at PHS/SPCA, but are not yet ready for adoption. Each of the organization's foster care providers participates in an interview and training process that prepares them to bring a foster animal into their home. Contact Dayna Pesenti at 650-340-7022, ext. 378 for info.

Visit www.PHS-SPCA.org for more general info.



Baby bird feeding

The organization's wildlife rescue facilities in San Mateo and Palo Alto will receive hundreds of wild birds from San Francisco, San Mateo and northern Santa Clara counties that require help to survive. In this unique opportunity to work directly with wildlife, volunteers learn proper feeding techniques for baby birds and lend a hand with cleaning duties and general animal husbandry.

An orientation for this special role will be held April 26 and May 24, from noon to 2 p.m. at PHS/SPCA. Contact Rebecca Allen 650-340-7022, ext.314 for info.



Lindsay Reynolds is the outreach coordinator for the Peninsula Humane Society. For more information, visit www.PHS-SPCA.org. or call 650-340-7022 ext. 344.