Ask anyone at the City of Denton Animal Shelter and they’ll tell you there are really five seasons that occur throughout the year: summer, fall, winter, spring, and KITTEN SEASON! Around this time each year, the Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center becomes a temporary home for more animals than they really have room for, especially kittens! At the time this story is published, the shelter has 10 kittens ready for adoption, 83 kittens currently in foster care, and another 55 kittens that still need a foster home!
Here are a few things to remember if you come across a group of kittens:
Their mother is the best chance they have for survival. If at all possible, leave them with mom.
Mom might be scared to come back with you around, so try to keep an eye on the kittens from a distance.
Leave wet cat food out near the kittens that might entice the mom to come back from her hunt.
Sprinkle flour and check for footprints to see if mom is around somewhere close.
Unfortunately, there are times when kittens become permanently separated from their mothers. In this case, it is important to get them the appropriate care. Call (940) 349-7594 to arrange a drop off during shelter hours (Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or call (940) 349-8181 to reach someone after hours. Animal Services has an officer on duty Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday through Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Here are a few more ways you can help:
Adopt a pet from the shelter. Visit the City of Denton Animal Services page on Petfinder to see a list of all of our available pets. We’re always happy to have you stop by the shelter to meet any our pets, spend time with them, and make sure they are a good fit for you and your family. We’re open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Foster a pet from the shelter. We are always in need of fosters to open their hearts and homes on a temporary basis for dogs and cats of all ages as they grow, heal, socialize, and adjust behaviorally on their journey to finding their forever home. The care and socialization given during this time greatly increases their chances for adoption. Foster orientation and trainings are conducted year round at the animal shelter. If you are interested in fostering a pet, contact animalservices@cityofdenton.com.
Volunteer at the shelter. Volunteers play an important role in providing our shelter pets with a positive experience. We have a variety of opportunities for you to work both directly and indirectly with animals. Our volunteers can serve as greeters, lobby representatives, photographers, cat or dog room attendants, dog exercisers and socializers, offsite events and laundry attendants. If you are interested in volunteering at the shelter, you must attend a new volunteer orientation. To register for an orientation, click here and follow the prompts to “Join” a session. This will require you to create a login with VOMO.
Make a donation to the shelter. Donating to the City of Denton Animal Shelter is one of the simplest things you can do to help prevent pet homelessness and save a life. There are several ways in which you can make a monetary donation: mail a check to City of Denton Animal Shelter (3717 N. Elm St., Denton, TX 76209), donate in person (cash, check, and credit card donations are accepted), and/or make an automatic donation on your City of Denton utility bill. We are also happy to accept a donation of pet supplies. For more information and to view our “Shelter Wish List,” click here.
To learn more about the City of Denton Animal Shelter, including additional information about the programs listed above, visit www.dentonanimalshelter.com.