Baby Bottle Foster Program

Love to nurture?

Los Angeles Animal Services needs volunteers to become "foster parents" to under-age kittens and puppies that are homeless and still need to be bottle-fed.

Volunteers will be responsible for caring for these little ones (under 8 weeks) who have become separated from their mothers too soon, providing a clean and safe environment, nourishment in the form of baby bottles and lots of love and patience, until the animals are old enough to be adopted.

Training is required and a local orientation session is planned from 4 to 6 p.m. April 23 at the San Pedro Animal Shelter, 735 Battery St., San Pedro.

Volunteers will receive a starter kit and on-going supply of milk replacement as well as other support. Expenses incurred by foster parents are tax deductible.

Information is available online, along with the volunteer applications. Questions? Send an email to Aiesha.ridgeway@lacity.org or call the department at 1-888-452-7381 and ask for the New Hope Coordinator. Those wanting to attend the orientation must RSVP through either the email or phone number.

The program is open to minors (ages 16 and 17) but they must present a minor consent form in order to attend the orientation with a parent or guardian.