Fostering :
We are always looking for individuals who would like to foster. We provide a variety of fostering situations as we take in orphaned kittens, feral kittens and moms. Each year we need temporary homes for more than 700 kittens and cats! Our busiest time of year is between April and October.

Foster situations can be quite intense: in the case of sick or bottle-fed young ones, feeding and care can be needed every two hours around the clock. Or they can be quite easy: a litter with a mom cat requires very little of your time.

And, for those who work during the day, kittens on solid food can be fed according to your own schedule. Feral kittens have different challenges, but it is extremely rewarding. You can foster as often as you like, one group at a time, older kittens as well as momma cats also need foster homes after their kittens are adopted.

We require your own animals to have been vaccinated at some point in their life, and to be in good health. Even so, it is not advisable for the fostered animals to mingle with your cats for a week to 10 days to ensure there are no colds or other illnesses they are bringing with them. Friendly older cats can be a great comfort for the little orphaned kittens, and so can friendly dogs, once the isolation period has passed.

The space required for fostering is a spare room or bathroom where the foster kittens can be separated from your own animals.
We encourage teenagers or young adults (who may be moving or travelling in the next few years) to consider fostering, rather than adopting. That way they get all the joy and fun of having kittens around, but can wait until they are settled before making the long-term commitment.

It is also great for the family who want their children to experience the birth of kittens, etc. We can certainly "lend" you a momma cat and babies rather than bringing more kittens into a world that already has too many unwanted kittens

The length of time foster kittens are with you will depend on how soon they are ready to be adopted and how long it takes us to find the right home for them. It can vary from as little as a week to several months. We will move them to another foster if needed (before they are adopted).

And yes, one of the most difficult things with fostering is parting with the kittens. Many of our foster moms shed more than a few tears when their fosters leave. However, it is balanced by the satisfaction in knowing that you played a crucial role in rescuing these kittens and sending them off to a loving, safe home.

Fostering will also provide you with hours of amusement and fun. There is little on this earth more appealing than ( kittens )and their antics are far more interesting than reality TV. So if you think you'd like to give this a try, write to rescue@orphankittenrescue.com for a foster application form.

VOLUNTEER :
Volunteers are an integral part of our organization. In fact, without them, we could not provide the care for the over 700 kittens/cats that pass through our hands with the level of service and care that people have come to expect from us. There are many ways to participate in our organization and we're sure that we can find one to fit your needs and schedule. We would appreciate a six-month commitment.

-- DRIVERS --
We need people to help with the transport of cat, kittens, feral cats to the vets, and foster homes. Time commitment : minimum of one trip a week per week.

-- TRAPPING TEAM --
Our Trapping Program operates as both a service and a resource for information/referrals. This program is the front line in our effort to curb feral cat breeding and involves intense, direct contact with cats and kittens. Program participants work directly with the public, local veterinarians and their staff. It involves trapping feral cats and kittens for spay/neuter surgeries, transporting trapped cats to veterinary offices or clinics and to shelters or foster homes. Volunteers must be reliable, patient and able to interact positively with a variety of people. Prior experience with cats, especially feral cats, is a plus. Training is provided along with all materials and supplies. Hours vary but are generally in the evening.

Other Opportunities :
Besides our core program volunteers, there are many other ways to help VOKRA. At this time, we are also looking for volunteers to:

• Fundraising
• Special events help
• Phone work