PAWS seeks foster families as kitten season surges

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas is asking Hays County residents to consider fostering homeless pets as the organization participates in a nationwide Foster Challenge sponsored by the Pedigree Foundation.

The challenge, which runs from May through July, aims to place more shelter animals in foster homes, reduce their length of stay and recruit new foster volunteers. Winning organizations will receive grant funding to support lifesaving programs.

PAWS officials say the need is especially urgent during kitten season. Since March 1, the shelter has taken in 131 kittens and expects that number to continue growing throughout the summer.

Because of limited shelter space, kittens cannot remain at PAWS facilities and must be placed in foster homes until they are old enough for adoption.

Shelter officials said foster families play a critical role in saving vulnerable animals and helping the organization continue accepting new kittens and other pets in need.

PAWS provides foster volunteers with food, supplies and medical care for foster animals. The organization also offers support from its foster team to assist volunteers throughout the process.

In addition to kittens, PAWS is seeking foster homes for puppies, adult dogs and cats.

Residents interested in fostering can learn more at www.pawsshelter.org or contact PAWS Shelter of Central Texas at 512-268-1611.