New Gloucester County Program Encourages Foster Care For Kittens

GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ — Gloucester County officials are launching a new program encouraging residents to foster a kitten or kittens they get at the county’s animal shelter.

The Baby Bottle Program sets up those who are interested with the appropriate supplies and medical care needed to foster a kitten or kittens adopted from the Gloucester County Animal Shelter.

“This program invites those who would like to foster animals to take in a kitten, or kittens, and give them the love and safe home needed to grow and flourish,” Gloucester County Commissioner Director Robert M. Damminger said.

Participants may have to bottle-feed kittens if they require. They will be required to work with the county’s Foster Coordinator to keep up with vaccinations needed for the kitten(s).

Participants will also have to track the kitten’s progress while they are fostering the animal. The animals are owned by the animal shelter, and can be removed from foster care at any time.

“Fostering pets literally saves their lives. It truly is one of the most rewarding and selfless things you can do,” Deputy Director Frank J. DiMarco, liaison to the Gloucester County Animal Shelter said.

Anyone interested in fostering kittens through the Bottle Baby Program, can call 856-881-2828 or visit www.gloucestercountynj.gov.

The shelter is still offering discounted adoption fees until further notice. Dogs and cats six years old and younger will have their adoption fees reduced to $35 while dogs and cats six years and older will have their adoption fees waived. Additionally, cats are offered at a buy-one-get-one discount.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, adoptions are by appointment only. Adoption hours are Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 7 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. The Adoption Office is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The Gloucester County Animal Shelter is still limiting access to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic. Visit www.gloucestercountynj.gov for a full list of hours.

The Pet Food Pantry also remains open. The pantry will help pets stay in their forever home by alleviating the financial stress of purchasing pet food for families that are struggling because of the effects of the pandemic.

The pantry is asking for dog food and cat food. Monetary donations will also be accepted. All donations, including monetary, can be dropped off or mailed to the Gloucester County Animal Shelter located at 1200 N Delsea Drive, Clayton 08312. A drop box is available at the shelter for in-person donations.

The Gloucester County Animal Shelter is located at 1200 North Delsea Drive in Clayton. For more information, visit www.gloucestercountynj.gov.