Save An Animal's Life

As part of its second annual "Become a Foster Parent Month," the Fairfax County Animal Shelter is hosting an orientation session on Tuesday, March 6, for its foster care program.

"Foster care providers save animals’ lives by providing temporary out-of-facility care in their homes for some of the shelter’s neediest animals," said the shelter in a press release.

Each year, between 300 and 400 animals are placed into foster care. The majority are kittens and cats, especially during the busy summer season.  The shelter also has a high need for those who can offer short-term care for dogs and puppies, as well as for kittens under four weeks of age who need to be bottle fed.

Foster care providers must be 21 years or older and must go through the shelter’s volunteer process, which includes a background check and home visit.  The shelter provides training, supplies and medical care for the animals.

The March 6 orientation will be 7 - 9 p.m. at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, 4500 West Ox Rd., Fairfax.  To attend, RSVP to kathleen.cornell@fairfaxcounty.gov.