Foster Program a Lifeline for Shelter Pets

Los Angeles, CA — Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) is currently recruiting foster parents to join the Foster Program. Long and short-term assignments are available for dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies. spcaLA is hosting an in-person Foster Class on Saturday, August 16th. Visit spcaLA.com/foster to apply.

Mowgli, 6-month-old Husky mix in need of a foster home

Foster homes provide shelter pets with a soothing environment for mama cats and dogs to nurse and raise their kits and pups; provide a break from the shelter for a stressed pet; or a calm setting for a pet to convalesce after treatment. This is the case for Mowgli.

When Mowgli, a 6-month-old grey and white Husky puppy showed up at spcaLA, his arrival was similar to many shelter pets. He had become lost, separated from his family, and picked up by an animal care officer. With no microchip or collar, his prospects of being found by his family were slim. It wasn’t long before spcaLA staff noticed something unusual about Mowgli’s back legs. He was taken to an animal hospital for x-rays which revealed an old injury, likely a result of being hit by a car, that had healed incorrectly. Because of this, Mowgli is scheduled for an FHO (femoral head ostectomy) surgery to help him regain proper mobility and comfort.

spcaLA is looking for a foster home for Mowgli during his month-long post-surgery recovery. He’s a friendly, resilient pup who will benefit from a loving environment while he heals. But he’s not alone. “There are many shelter pets, like Mowgli who need the kind of assistance that only a foster home can provide,” said Madeline Bernstein, President of spcaLA. “Fostering is proven to help with recovery time, relieve pressure on shelters, and provides socialization which prepares them for a future home. The benefits are endless.”

Last year, spcaLA Volunteers dedicated 18,298 hours to fostering. Some of the pets fostered for medical recovery, included a white kitten named Teeny, who had an enucleation surgery (eye removal); a chocolate Labrador named Kody, who had a leg removed; a Pomeranian named Puff with a broken pelvis; and at least half a dozen animals with broken limbs.