Volunteers needed to help King County animal shelters with sick, injured and young pets

King County Animal Services is looking for residents to provide temporary care in their homes for sick, injured and young cats and dogs so they can be adopted out in the future.

Throughout the year, King County receives hundreds of cats and dogs that are either too ill or too young to adopt out right away. These pets are placed into temporary foster homes until they have recovered or are the right age for adoption.

A training session for people interested in proving temporary foster care will be held on Thursday, August 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the King County Kent Animal Shelter at 21615 64th Avenue South. Once completed, volunteers may begin to foster pets right away.

"Saving sick and injured animals depends on help from our foster volunteers. These animal advocates nurse back to health or socialize hundreds of cats and dogs annually so they are better prepared for adoption into loving families," said Walt Washington, King County Animal Services Manager. "Foster volunteers really make a difference in the lives of homeless animals."

King County Animal Services foster volunteers must be able to provide a clean and safe environment to care for the foster animals and prevent injury and the spread of disease. Most supplies, such as food, flea control and milk replacer, is provided by Friends of King County Animal Control.

Residents who want to foster dogs must have a fenced yard with some form of shelter. Additionally, a place should be provided in the home where the dog is welcome, as they are social animals who crave interaction with people.

Foster volunteers must be at least 17 years of age or be collaborating on the care of their foster animals with a parent or guardian.

Residents can receive more information or register for the training by emailing pets@metrokc.gov