Foster Care
learning module
Thank you for saving lives!
Use the arrow to move forward
Thank you for your interest in becoming a foster caregiver with Osceola County Animal Services.
We truly value your dedication to supporting both the animals and our organization.
This module provides an overview of
- why fostering is essential,
- outlines the responsibilities of foster caregivers, and
- shares other important information.
The duration of fostering with OCAS can vary from a single night up to three months. Each foster home is encouraged to select the option that best fits their personal schedule.
fostering saves lives!
• Puppies and kittens are often too young to be adopted immediately.
• They need early socialization with people and other animals to develop properly.
• Many are too young for spaying or neutering procedures.
• Some animals require special care that’s easier to provide at home.
• Others need a quiet, calm environment to recover from surgery or injury.
• Certain animals benefit from learning basic skills before adoption.
• Some dogs need a break from the stress of the kennel to relax and recharge.
pets needing foster care
Please watch the video below.
pets needing foster care
To become an approved foster caregiver, an individual must:
• Maintain an active Foster Status with OCAS. • Agree to and follow all OCAS foster care policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Consent to in-home evaluations at any time.
• Provide a safe, loving, and stable environment for the foster animal.
• Be able to transport the foster animal to and from OCAS during regular business hours (Monday–Friday).
• If renting, provide proof of landlord approval for companion animals, if applicable.
• Receive final approval from the Programs Department. Please note: Foster Care approval status may change, and Osceola County Animal Services reserves the right to revoke foster status at any time.
foster care approval
When you agree to foster an animal, you commit to:
• Administering any medications as directed by our veterinary team. • Promptly contacting the veterinary suite about any new or unexpected medical issues (more details to follow).
• Spending quality time socializing the animal(s).
• Feeding very young puppies and kittens according to their specific feeding schedule.
• Meeting the animal’s daily needs, including walking dogs and puppies, cleaning litter boxes, and providing basic training.
what Fosters provide
Trained foster volunteers will receive as needed:
• Medications with instructions
• Veterinary care*
• Food
• Leash and waste bags (dogs)
• Bedding, towels, pans, and litter (cats/kittens) • Toys
• Carrier, kennel, or exercise pen
Home visits may occur before or during fostering.
*Note: Expenses for private or emergency vet visits require prior approval for reimbursement.
what OCAS will provide
The foster program is separate from the Animal Services Volunteer Program. Some fosters also volunteer, but all must complete this training before fostering.
OCAS tracks foster animals and days in care as “Foster Days” (e.g., three animals for 30 days = 90 Foster Days). Volunteers can view this in their Volgistics account.
Household members 18+ may join the Volunteer Program but must complete all volunteer requirements including orientation, application, and background check.
fosters & volunteers
Fleas can affect foster animals. If you notice fleas on your foster pet, contact shelter staff immediately to prevent infestation. The veterinary team will provide medication, advice, and an effective flea spray for your home.
If bathing is needed, staff will guide you. Detailed bathing instructions for flea treatment are included in the breed-specific modules.
- Flea bites can cause both discomfort and health risks to people and animals.
- Fleas can carry a number of infections and diseases including tapeworms and Bartonella (the bacteria responsible for cat scratch fever).
- Fleas need to be treated as soon as they appear.
common issue: fleas!
A common challenge
- While fostering young animals can be deeply rewarding, it also comes with challenges.
- Illness and disease may strike unexpectedly.
- Unfortunately, some animals may not survive, especially vulnerable kittens. Please be prepared for this possibility.
- Particularly with kittens, illness can come on very suddenly leaving lttle or no time to react.
Remember, by fostering, you’re giving these animals their best chance at life—something they might not have otherwise.
a difficulty for fosters
If your foster animal shows any of the following symptoms, contact the shelter immediately by phone:• Lack of appetite
• Poor weight gain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Sneezing (a lot) • Coughing or wheezing
• Constant crying
• Pale gums
• Swollen eyes or discharge
• Nasal discharge
• Inability to pass urine or stool
If you see the warning signs listed, call the shelter at 407-742-8000 and ask to speak with a vet tech about your foster’s health. After hours, use the emergency on-call vet tech number provided in your foster packet. This number is for major emergencies only.
warning signs of illness
Your Resources - New Foster WelcomeAs a foster, you have access to the New Foster Welcome package.
- Links to resources, including the Foster Handbook – Can be found on our website , or click the link below.
- Advice from vet staff and other experienced fosters. This is very imprtant for fosters who are bottle feeding kittens or puppies.
- OCAS Foster Facebook page (have to register in Facebook)
Kitten Lady videos
foster resources
Foster handbook
Are You Ready to Foster?
Before committing to fostering, please make sure you:
• Have approval from your family or landlord. • Can commit the time and care the animal needs. • Understand the possible challenges involved. • Are willing to attend any required training. • Are ready to sign the Foster Agreement.
Before commiting...
When a foster animal becomes available, shelter staff will contact foster homes marked as available by email or phone. "Available" means: • You are on the active foster list (not on break or inactive)
• You are open to the type of animal needing foster (cat/dog, age, etc.)
If you're interested, we’ll schedule a pickup appointment. A staff member or volunteer will help you gather supplies and provide a carrier for safe transport.
Use your best judgment—if you are unsure about the number or type of animals offered, let us know. For new fosters, we recommend starting with no more than two or three kittens or one dog.
pick up your foster
Appointments
- Our vet team will notify you when your foster animal’s appointment is scheduled.
- Please arrive on time and plan for the appointment to take approximately 10–15 minutes.
- If you’re unable to attend due to an emergency, contact the shelter by phone or email as soon as possible so we can reschedule.
Traveling with fosters Foster animals must not leave Osceola County without written permission from the Programs Department. Permission is only granted during emergency situations.
appointments/travel
Thank you for your interest in fostering our feline friends! Since most of our foster placements involve cats and kittens, it's important to review the information in this section carefully.
This section covers:
• Supplies provided
• How to receive a foster from the shelter
• Scheduling appointments
• Kitten developmental stages
• Feeding guidelines
• Caring for moms with kittens
• Newborn kitten care
• Socialization
• Bathing instructions
• Common health issues and viruses
• Where to find help
cat & kitten fostering
The shelter will supply the following items for your foster cat or kitten:
• Pet carrier
• Litter and litter pans*
• Food and water dishes*
• Toys
• Canned and dry food
• Towels, sheets, and blankets (including soft, fuzzy ones)
• Any required medications
• Newspapers
cat & kitten equipment
Optional Equipment (Recommended for New Fosters)
A cat enclosure is available upon request. It provides space for a litter pan, food, and water bowls.
For kitten fosters, we recommend using an enclosure rather than allowing free roam of the home.
Benefits:
• Helps monitor litter box habits
• Contains litter mess (especially with playful kittens)
• Keeps kittens safe when you're not home
optional equipment
Kitten Developmental Stages
- Neonatal (Birth to 2 weeks):
- Kittens are either nursing or need to be
- bottle-fed every 2 hours.
- Around 10 days: Eyes begin to open.
- By 2 weeks: Eyes are fully open.
- 3 to 4 weeks: Kittens may start using a litter box and can be introduced to wet food.
- Around 4 weeks: Some may begin to nibble on dry food.
- 6 weeks and older (Weaning stage): Kittens should be eating on their own and may need to be separated from their mother. The mom will usually make it clear when she’s done nursing.
kitten development
Click chart to see full screen
Feeding schedules depend on the age of the cat or kitten:
- Newborns: Every 1–2 hours (bottle-fed)
- 3–4 weeks: Soft food + formula, 6 times per day
- 6–12 weeks: 4 times per day
- 3–6 months: 3 times per day
If the Mother Cat Is Present
- Ideally, kittens are fostered with their mother, who will handle feeding. Your role is to care for the mom—providing food, comfort, and a clean, quiet space. Around 4–6 weeks, you’ll begin weaning the kittens, and the mother will return to the shelter for adoption.
- Occasionally, a nursing cat may accept and care for kittens that aren’t hers. If possible, she will be placed with the foster litter. Important: Never feed cats or kittens cow’s milk.
feeding guidelines
In most situations, kittens should not be handled until they are at least two weeks old.
- If the mother cat is present, she will signal whether she is comfortable with you handling her kittens.
Important Guidelines: • Always support the kitten with both hands. • Handle with extreme care, as young kittens are very fragile. • Children should always be closely supervised when interacting with kittens.
newborn/young kittens
Socializing kittens helps them adjust to the world around them and prepares them to handle new experiences with confidence. Through socialization, kittens learn:
- That other animals—cats and different species—are part of their environment
- That people are safe and friendly
- That new sounds and smells are a normal part of life
Spending time with your foster kittens is essential. Once they are old enough, gently handle them and engage in play - whether it’s with a toy or something simple like a string.
kitten socialization
Sometimes, a foster kitten may need a bath—usually for one of these two reasons:
- The kitten has fleas
- The kitten has waste or debris stuck to its body
When bathing is necessary, it’s important to do it safely and gently. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the process as smooth as possible.
bathing a kitten
Artwork may not accurately depict your actual experience bathing a kitten.
Most kittens placed in foster care are already familiar with using a litter box and won’t need much assistance with bathroom habits.
When the mother cat is present, she grooms her kittens after feeding to stimulate them to go to the bathroom. In her absence, fosters need to take over this role until the kittens are about three weeks old.
For kittens under three weeks:
• Use a small, soft cloth dipped in warm water. • Gently massage the anal and genital area to stimulate urination and defecation after each feeding. At around four weeks old:
Begin litter box training by placing the kitten in the litter box immediately after meals. To help them access the box easily, you may want to cut down one side of the box for a low entry point.
waste and the litterbox
Zoonotic diseases are illnesses that can be transmitted between animals and humans. They are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi carried by animals or insects.
Common examples include:
• Rabies
• Ringworm (a fungal infection)
• Mites • Psittacosis
• Toxoplasmosis
• Hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms
• Salmonella
• Giardia
How to reduce the risk of transmission of Zoonotic disease:
- Always wash your hands before and after handling foster animals.
- When needed, change your clothes after contact.
- Regularly wash all bedding, dishes, and toys that have been used by the animals.
Some animals may carry the fungus without showing any symptoms.
zoonotic diseases
What is FPV?
Feline Panleukopenia Virus (also known as Feline Distemper)
- Feline panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease in cats. It’s caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), also referred to as feline parvovirus.
- Kittens are the most at risk. FPV targets cells that divide quickly—such as those in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, intestines, and developing fetuses—causing severe illness.
- The name “panleukopenia” refers to the virus’s impact on white blood cells (leukocytes), which are essential for fighting infections. A drop in these cells weakens the immune system, leaving the kitten highly vulnerable.
Learn more about FPV
FPV
What Is Ringworm?
Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. It’s a fungal infection (also called dermatophytosis) that affects the skin, hair, and nails.
Ringworm is highly contagious and more common in cats than dogs. It can easily spread to other pets and even to humans—particularly children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The infection often causes circular, patchy areas of hair loss with a red ring at the center, which gives the condition its name.
All foster kittens are screened for ringworm before being placed in homes. However, if symptoms appear later, the kitten may need to be returned to the shelter for treatment.
Cat with ringworm
Ringworm in cats & dogs
Thank you for opening your home and heart to our canine companions. Many of the dogs placed in foster care are adult dogs recovering from surgery or those in need of socialization, so it's important to review the dog and puppy foster information carefully.
This section covers:
- Equipment and supplies provided
- Common health issues and viruses
- Bathing and grooming tips
- Where and how to get help when needed
Dog & puppy fosters
What You’ll Receive from the Shelter:
- Milk replacement (for puppies)
- Any necessary medications
Dog & puppy supplies
Neonatal Stage (Birth to 12 Days):
- Puppies are completely dependent on their mother for warmth (thermoregulation), nutrition, and elimination during this time.
- Born Blind and Deaf:
- At birth, puppies cannot see or hear, but they can whine to get their mother’s attention.
Reflex Development:
- Days 1–3: Puppies exhibit flexor dominance, meaning they curl up when picked up by the head.
- Days 4–21: They transition to extensor dominance, where they stretch out when lifted by the head.
Touch Response:
- Puppies naturally turn their head toward the side where their cheek is gently touched.
- They will also snuggle up to warm objects, seeking comfort and security.
puppies: their growth
When the Mother Is Present: Ideally, puppies enter foster care with their mother, who will handle feeding and basic care. Your role is to ensure the mother is well-fed, comfortable, and has a warm, quiet space to care for her litter. In some cases, a nursing dog may accept and care for puppies that are not her own. If available, this surrogate mother may be placed with the puppies in foster care. Important: Mother dogs can be very protective of their puppies. Keep the mom and litter separated from other animals. As the puppies grow, begin handling them gently and regularly to support socialization. When the Mother Is Not Present (Orphans) If no mother is available, the puppies will require hand-feeding. Animal Services will supply the appropriate formula and instructions based on the puppies’ age and needs.
Feeding puppies
Intestinal Parasites Several internal parasites can affect puppies and dogs, each with unique characteristics:
- Roundworms: The most common internal parasite; they look like spaghetti and can grow 3–4 inches long.
- Hookworms: Much smaller (less than 1 inch), living mainly in the small intestine.
- Tapeworms: Long, flat, and segmented; can grow from 4 to 28 inches. You may see segments (resembling grains of rice) near the animal’s hind end.
- Heartworms: Spread by mosquito bites, heartworms live in the bloodstream and can cause weight loss, coughing, lethargy, and difficulty breathing if left untreated.
Ailments: parasites
Click to expand
Parvovirus (Parvo):
Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that attacks the intestinal tract, typically causing bloody diarrhea and vomiting. It spreads through contact with infected stool or contaminated environments, and the virus can survive in the environment for over a year. Infected animals can become severely dehydrated and, in serious cases, may go into shock or die if not treated quickly. Prevention: Puppies need a series of vaccinations, starting as early as 4 weeks of age and continuing every 2–3 weeks until they are 3–4 months old.
Mange:
Mange is a skin condition caused by various species of microscopic mites, which are common external parasites in dogs and cats. Some mites are naturally present on the skin, but when their numbers grow, they can cause itching, hair loss, and skin infections—ranging from mild to severe.
Mange video
Ailments: parvo & mange
Prevention of heartworm infection can be achieved through a number of veterinary drugs. The drugs approved for use in the US are ivermectin (sold under the brand names Heartgard, Iverhart, and several other generic versions), milbemycin (Interceptor Flavor Tabs and Sentinel Flavor Tabs) and moxidectin (ProHeart) administered as pills or chewable tablets.
Preventative drugs are highly effective, and when regularly administered, will protect more than 99% of dogs and cats from heartworm. Most compromises in protection result from failure to properly administer the drugs during seasonal transmission periods. Animal Services tests for diseases and will provide fosters with any medication necessary
Symptoms of canine heartworm include: Class 1: No symptoms or mild symptoms such as an occasional cough.
Class 2: Mild to moderate symptoms such as an occasional cough and tiredness after moderate activity.
Class 3: More severe symptoms such as a sickly appearance, a persistent cough, and tiredness after mild activity. Trouble breathing and signs of heart failure are common. Class 4: Also called caval syndrome. There is such a heavy worm burden that blood flowing back to the heart is physically blocked by a large mass of worms. Caval syndrome is life-threatening.
heartworm: prevention
The dogs undergoing heartworm treatment must first complete a round of antibiotics to ensure the health of the animal for treatment. After treatment, the dog must rest (restricted exercise) for several weeks so as to give its body sufficient time to absorb the dead worms without ill effect. Otherwise, when the dog is under exertion, dead worms may break loose and travel to the lungs, potentially causing respiratory failure and death. The course of treatment is not completed until several weeks later, when the microfilariae are dealt with in a separate course of treatment. Once heartworm tests are negative, the treatment is considered a success.
Notes about heartworm treatment
- Heartworm treatment is carried out over a period of 4 - 6 months.
- This treatment needs to be carried out by a veterinarian.
- There are no effective "home remedies" for canine heartworm treatment.
- Though people cannot "catch" heartworm from an infected dog, this mosquito - borne illness can be spread to toher dogs.
heartworm: treatment
bathing a dog
Congratulations; you have completed the Foster Module.Click next to go to the module knowledge check. Your goal should be at least 80%. Resources for Foster Caregivers: For non-emergency questions, call the shelter during business hours: 407-742-8000. You can also email the shelter at: petfosters@osceola.org. For emergencies, please call the emergency contact number given to you with your foster paperwork. Join and check updates on our Foster Facebook page.
module completed
Thank you for helping save lives!
module knowledge check
Foster Care learning module
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Transcript
Foster Care
learning module
Thank you for saving lives!
Use the arrow to move forward
Thank you for your interest in becoming a foster caregiver with Osceola County Animal Services. We truly value your dedication to supporting both the animals and our organization. This module provides an overview of
- why fostering is essential,
- outlines the responsibilities of foster caregivers, and
- shares other important information.
The duration of fostering with OCAS can vary from a single night up to three months. Each foster home is encouraged to select the option that best fits their personal schedule.fostering saves lives!
• Puppies and kittens are often too young to be adopted immediately. • They need early socialization with people and other animals to develop properly. • Many are too young for spaying or neutering procedures. • Some animals require special care that’s easier to provide at home. • Others need a quiet, calm environment to recover from surgery or injury. • Certain animals benefit from learning basic skills before adoption. • Some dogs need a break from the stress of the kennel to relax and recharge.
pets needing foster care
Please watch the video below.
pets needing foster care
To become an approved foster caregiver, an individual must: • Maintain an active Foster Status with OCAS. • Agree to and follow all OCAS foster care policies, procedures, and guidelines. • Be at least 18 years of age. • Consent to in-home evaluations at any time. • Provide a safe, loving, and stable environment for the foster animal. • Be able to transport the foster animal to and from OCAS during regular business hours (Monday–Friday). • If renting, provide proof of landlord approval for companion animals, if applicable.
• Receive final approval from the Programs Department. Please note: Foster Care approval status may change, and Osceola County Animal Services reserves the right to revoke foster status at any time.
foster care approval
When you agree to foster an animal, you commit to:
• Administering any medications as directed by our veterinary team. • Promptly contacting the veterinary suite about any new or unexpected medical issues (more details to follow). • Spending quality time socializing the animal(s). • Feeding very young puppies and kittens according to their specific feeding schedule. • Meeting the animal’s daily needs, including walking dogs and puppies, cleaning litter boxes, and providing basic training.
what Fosters provide
Trained foster volunteers will receive as needed: • Medications with instructions • Veterinary care* • Food • Leash and waste bags (dogs) • Bedding, towels, pans, and litter (cats/kittens) • Toys • Carrier, kennel, or exercise pen Home visits may occur before or during fostering. *Note: Expenses for private or emergency vet visits require prior approval for reimbursement.
what OCAS will provide
The foster program is separate from the Animal Services Volunteer Program. Some fosters also volunteer, but all must complete this training before fostering. OCAS tracks foster animals and days in care as “Foster Days” (e.g., three animals for 30 days = 90 Foster Days). Volunteers can view this in their Volgistics account. Household members 18+ may join the Volunteer Program but must complete all volunteer requirements including orientation, application, and background check.
fosters & volunteers
Fleas can affect foster animals. If you notice fleas on your foster pet, contact shelter staff immediately to prevent infestation. The veterinary team will provide medication, advice, and an effective flea spray for your home. If bathing is needed, staff will guide you. Detailed bathing instructions for flea treatment are included in the breed-specific modules.
common issue: fleas!
A common challenge
- Particularly with kittens, illness can come on very suddenly leaving lttle or no time to react.
Remember, by fostering, you’re giving these animals their best chance at life—something they might not have otherwise.a difficulty for fosters
If your foster animal shows any of the following symptoms, contact the shelter immediately by phone:• Lack of appetite • Poor weight gain • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Difficulty breathing • Sneezing (a lot) • Coughing or wheezing • Constant crying • Pale gums • Swollen eyes or discharge • Nasal discharge • Inability to pass urine or stool
If you see the warning signs listed, call the shelter at 407-742-8000 and ask to speak with a vet tech about your foster’s health. After hours, use the emergency on-call vet tech number provided in your foster packet. This number is for major emergencies only.
warning signs of illness
Your Resources - New Foster WelcomeAs a foster, you have access to the New Foster Welcome package.
Kitten Lady videos
foster resources
Foster handbook
Are You Ready to Foster? Before committing to fostering, please make sure you: • Have approval from your family or landlord. • Can commit the time and care the animal needs. • Understand the possible challenges involved. • Are willing to attend any required training. • Are ready to sign the Foster Agreement.
Before commiting...
When a foster animal becomes available, shelter staff will contact foster homes marked as available by email or phone. "Available" means: • You are on the active foster list (not on break or inactive) • You are open to the type of animal needing foster (cat/dog, age, etc.) If you're interested, we’ll schedule a pickup appointment. A staff member or volunteer will help you gather supplies and provide a carrier for safe transport. Use your best judgment—if you are unsure about the number or type of animals offered, let us know. For new fosters, we recommend starting with no more than two or three kittens or one dog.
pick up your foster
Appointments
- If you’re unable to attend due to an emergency, contact the shelter by phone or email as soon as possible so we can reschedule.
Traveling with fosters Foster animals must not leave Osceola County without written permission from the Programs Department. Permission is only granted during emergency situations.appointments/travel
Thank you for your interest in fostering our feline friends! Since most of our foster placements involve cats and kittens, it's important to review the information in this section carefully. This section covers: • Supplies provided • How to receive a foster from the shelter • Scheduling appointments • Kitten developmental stages • Feeding guidelines • Caring for moms with kittens • Newborn kitten care • Socialization • Bathing instructions • Common health issues and viruses • Where to find help
cat & kitten fostering
The shelter will supply the following items for your foster cat or kitten: • Pet carrier • Litter and litter pans* • Food and water dishes* • Toys • Canned and dry food • Towels, sheets, and blankets (including soft, fuzzy ones) • Any required medications • Newspapers
cat & kitten equipment
Optional Equipment (Recommended for New Fosters) A cat enclosure is available upon request. It provides space for a litter pan, food, and water bowls. For kitten fosters, we recommend using an enclosure rather than allowing free roam of the home. Benefits: • Helps monitor litter box habits • Contains litter mess (especially with playful kittens) • Keeps kittens safe when you're not home
optional equipment
Kitten Developmental Stages
kitten development
Click chart to see full screen
Feeding schedules depend on the age of the cat or kitten:
- 3–4 weeks: Soft food + formula, 6 times per day
- 6–12 weeks: 4 times per day
- 3–6 months: 3 times per day
If the Mother Cat Is Presentfeeding guidelines
In most situations, kittens should not be handled until they are at least two weeks old.
Important Guidelines: • Always support the kitten with both hands. • Handle with extreme care, as young kittens are very fragile. • Children should always be closely supervised when interacting with kittens.
newborn/young kittens
Socializing kittens helps them adjust to the world around them and prepares them to handle new experiences with confidence. Through socialization, kittens learn:
Spending time with your foster kittens is essential. Once they are old enough, gently handle them and engage in play - whether it’s with a toy or something simple like a string.
kitten socialization
Sometimes, a foster kitten may need a bath—usually for one of these two reasons:
- The kitten has fleas
- The kitten has waste or debris stuck to its body
When bathing is necessary, it’s important to do it safely and gently. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the process as smooth as possible.bathing a kitten
Artwork may not accurately depict your actual experience bathing a kitten.
Most kittens placed in foster care are already familiar with using a litter box and won’t need much assistance with bathroom habits. When the mother cat is present, she grooms her kittens after feeding to stimulate them to go to the bathroom. In her absence, fosters need to take over this role until the kittens are about three weeks old. For kittens under three weeks: • Use a small, soft cloth dipped in warm water. • Gently massage the anal and genital area to stimulate urination and defecation after each feeding. At around four weeks old: Begin litter box training by placing the kitten in the litter box immediately after meals. To help them access the box easily, you may want to cut down one side of the box for a low entry point.
waste and the litterbox
Zoonotic diseases are illnesses that can be transmitted between animals and humans. They are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi carried by animals or insects. Common examples include: • Rabies • Ringworm (a fungal infection) • Mites • Psittacosis • Toxoplasmosis • Hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms • Salmonella • Giardia
How to reduce the risk of transmission of Zoonotic disease:
- Regularly wash all bedding, dishes, and toys that have been used by the animals.
Some animals may carry the fungus without showing any symptoms.zoonotic diseases
What is FPV? Feline Panleukopenia Virus (also known as Feline Distemper)
Learn more about FPV
FPV
What Is Ringworm? Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. It’s a fungal infection (also called dermatophytosis) that affects the skin, hair, and nails. Ringworm is highly contagious and more common in cats than dogs. It can easily spread to other pets and even to humans—particularly children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The infection often causes circular, patchy areas of hair loss with a red ring at the center, which gives the condition its name. All foster kittens are screened for ringworm before being placed in homes. However, if symptoms appear later, the kitten may need to be returned to the shelter for treatment.
Cat with ringworm
Ringworm in cats & dogs
Thank you for opening your home and heart to our canine companions. Many of the dogs placed in foster care are adult dogs recovering from surgery or those in need of socialization, so it's important to review the dog and puppy foster information carefully. This section covers:
Dog & puppy fosters
What You’ll Receive from the Shelter:
Dog & puppy supplies
Neonatal Stage (Birth to 12 Days):
- Puppies are completely dependent on their mother for warmth (thermoregulation), nutrition, and elimination during this time.
- Born Blind and Deaf:
- At birth, puppies cannot see or hear, but they can whine to get their mother’s attention.
Reflex Development:- Days 1–3: Puppies exhibit flexor dominance, meaning they curl up when picked up by the head.
- Days 4–21: They transition to extensor dominance, where they stretch out when lifted by the head.
Touch Response:puppies: their growth
When the Mother Is Present: Ideally, puppies enter foster care with their mother, who will handle feeding and basic care. Your role is to ensure the mother is well-fed, comfortable, and has a warm, quiet space to care for her litter. In some cases, a nursing dog may accept and care for puppies that are not her own. If available, this surrogate mother may be placed with the puppies in foster care. Important: Mother dogs can be very protective of their puppies. Keep the mom and litter separated from other animals. As the puppies grow, begin handling them gently and regularly to support socialization. When the Mother Is Not Present (Orphans) If no mother is available, the puppies will require hand-feeding. Animal Services will supply the appropriate formula and instructions based on the puppies’ age and needs.
Feeding puppies
Intestinal Parasites Several internal parasites can affect puppies and dogs, each with unique characteristics:
Ailments: parasites
Click to expand
Parvovirus (Parvo): Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that attacks the intestinal tract, typically causing bloody diarrhea and vomiting. It spreads through contact with infected stool or contaminated environments, and the virus can survive in the environment for over a year. Infected animals can become severely dehydrated and, in serious cases, may go into shock or die if not treated quickly. Prevention: Puppies need a series of vaccinations, starting as early as 4 weeks of age and continuing every 2–3 weeks until they are 3–4 months old. Mange: Mange is a skin condition caused by various species of microscopic mites, which are common external parasites in dogs and cats. Some mites are naturally present on the skin, but when their numbers grow, they can cause itching, hair loss, and skin infections—ranging from mild to severe.
Mange video
Ailments: parvo & mange
Prevention of heartworm infection can be achieved through a number of veterinary drugs. The drugs approved for use in the US are ivermectin (sold under the brand names Heartgard, Iverhart, and several other generic versions), milbemycin (Interceptor Flavor Tabs and Sentinel Flavor Tabs) and moxidectin (ProHeart) administered as pills or chewable tablets. Preventative drugs are highly effective, and when regularly administered, will protect more than 99% of dogs and cats from heartworm. Most compromises in protection result from failure to properly administer the drugs during seasonal transmission periods. Animal Services tests for diseases and will provide fosters with any medication necessary
Symptoms of canine heartworm include: Class 1: No symptoms or mild symptoms such as an occasional cough. Class 2: Mild to moderate symptoms such as an occasional cough and tiredness after moderate activity. Class 3: More severe symptoms such as a sickly appearance, a persistent cough, and tiredness after mild activity. Trouble breathing and signs of heart failure are common. Class 4: Also called caval syndrome. There is such a heavy worm burden that blood flowing back to the heart is physically blocked by a large mass of worms. Caval syndrome is life-threatening.
heartworm: prevention
The dogs undergoing heartworm treatment must first complete a round of antibiotics to ensure the health of the animal for treatment. After treatment, the dog must rest (restricted exercise) for several weeks so as to give its body sufficient time to absorb the dead worms without ill effect. Otherwise, when the dog is under exertion, dead worms may break loose and travel to the lungs, potentially causing respiratory failure and death. The course of treatment is not completed until several weeks later, when the microfilariae are dealt with in a separate course of treatment. Once heartworm tests are negative, the treatment is considered a success.
Notes about heartworm treatment
heartworm: treatment
bathing a dog
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