Chesapeake Animal Services Seeks Foster Families Amid Kittens Overpopulation

In Chesapeake, Virginia, the shelter reports it is nearing capacity as the kitten season, recognized as one of the busiest in years, unfolds. In just the past week, nearly 50 kittens under 8 weeks old have been dropped off. Since April 1, the shelter has taken in 224 kittens, with the kitten season running until the end of November. Outreach Coordinator Kasey Gallardo noted, "We're being inundated with kittens. We can't keep up with the amount that we have coming in as strays and we really need Chesapeake's help."

Last year, Chesapeake Animal Services took in a total of 446 kittens for the entire season. With 224 already logged by early June, Gallardo expressed concern, stating, "We're already halfway there, and it's only June, so we're gonna really need some help from Hampton Roads."

Gallardo attributed the increase in kitten numbers partly to warmer winters, which have extended and intensified kitten seasons, starting around mid-March this year. Foster families typically care for the kittens until they reach 8 weeks old and weigh at least 2 pounds, meeting the minimum requirement for spaying or neutering and eventual adoption. The duration of foster care varies depending on the age of the kitten at intake.

Currently, the shelter has 94 kittens with foster families and more waiting at the facility. As an open admission shelter, Chesapeake Animal Services must accept every animal that arrives, which puts additional strain on space. Gallardo emphasized, "The last thing that we want to do is have to euthanize for space when we have to put a healthy animal down just because we don't have the space for it."

Mary Shively, a foster caregiver who has taken in over 90 animals from the shelter in the past seven years, shared her experience, saying, "I love them. The shelter provides everything that I need. I keep them safe. I keep them warm. I feed them, and I teach them how to be cats that people want to take home and adopt."

Shively noted that temporarily fostering even a few kittens makes a significant difference, adding that it is heartbreaking to think of the potential outcomes for those that do not find homes. The shelter provides all necessary supplies to foster families at no cost, and should a foster family choose to adopt, the fee is $75, which includes spay/neuter and vaccinations.

The issue of overcrowding is not limited to Chesapeake, as shelters throughout the region are similarly overwhelmed. Gallardo encourages individuals to consider fostering from local shelters like the Chesapeake Humane Society or Norfolk Animal Care and Control if they are able.

For those unable to foster due to allergies or other reasons, the shelter is accepting donations of essential items, including kitten food, toys, heating pads, and kitty litter. A wish list for supplies is available on the shelter's website.

Gallardo also advised anyone who finds outdoor kittens to observe before intervening, as a mother cat may be hunting or relocating her kittens. She cautioned against feeding stray kittens, particularly cow's milk, which can be harmful, and recommended bringing them directly to the shelter.

Long-term solutions to the kitten overpopulation crisis, according to Gallardo, include spaying and neutering cats and keeping them indoors. To apply to become a foster or to adopt, potential applicants may contact the shelter.