Animals too young to be spayed or neutered are extremely fragile creatures with relatively low survival rates, especially when separated from their mothers. Underage animals are often euthanized in other shelter environments due to insufficient human or financial resources needed to provide them with specialized, around-the-clock care. The Irvine Animal Care Center aims to make a positive impact on this underage animal population and invites the public to join the mission of saving homeless pets by becoming a pet foster parent. Foster parents provide temporary care for kittens, puppies, and baby rabbits, or animals recovering from a medical procedure, in their own homes. This includes time, energy and a quiet secure space away from any pets you may otherwise have. The Irvine Animal Care Center will provide the training, supplies, food and veterinary care. Fostering can last from a few days to several weeks. The success of programs like Third Chance for Pets, which brings animals in from other shelters where their chances for survival are limited, relies heavily on the number of fosters the center has available. The more foster volunteers supporting the center, the more animals it can help. Foster Care Requirements: • At least 2 hours per day, for up to 9 weeks (special needs animals may require additional time) • A quiet and secure place away from other family pets • Ability to transport animals to the center for routine vet care • Willingness to implement basic behavior training routine (provided) • Flexibility to accept animals with minimal notice • Desire to make a meaningful impact on a temporary basis Once an underage animal has reached its mandatory age and weight, and receives a clean bill of health, it will be spayed/neutered and made available for adoption. Current Volunteer Opportunities The Irvine Animal Care Center currently has new volunteer recruitment opportunities available in the Foster Care program. Learn more and sign up for one of the volunteer workshops at the web address below. Foster Care Volunteer Workshops March 24, 1:30–4 p.m. www.cityofirvine.org/ irvine -animal-care-center/foster-care-program