Tweenie Kitten Foster Program-In Home Care for Kittens 6-8 weeks of age

About the Program

Category: Volunteers (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

The County of San Diego Department of Animal Services implemented the “Tweenie” program in June 2007 to increase the survived rate and adoption of kittens. The program provides foster care in a home environment to kittens be“tween” the ages of six and eight weeks of age. Tweenies are just old enough to be weaned from their mothers but not quite old enough to be adopted. The County has fostered and placed into adoption over 500 kittens since the program’s inception. The purpose of the program is to give kittens two weeks of critical care they need to increase their chances of survival and adoptability. Two weeks of care in a home environment helps kittens gain weight and become more socialized. This also decreases their exposure to potential stress and disease in a kennel environment, which can compromise their health and well being. Volunteer foster caregivers recruited by County Animal Services receive training and all the supplies necessary to house “Tweenies” in their home for two weeks or longer if necessary. General purpose funds from County Animal Services pay for the program supplies and medical care. There is no cost to the department for services provided by the volunteers.