Pet Companion Magazine Summer 2021 Page 72
[ orgs ] Annenberg PetSpace T Orange County Animal Shelter he Orange County Animal Shelter serves over 14 cities located in Orange County, providing animal care, a pet food pantry, spay and neuter clinics, and other services that sup-port the people and pets of the community while promoting responsible pet ownership. Orange County Animal Shelter Assistant Director Monica Schmidt says, “During the summer months, OC Animal Care receives a large influx of kittens—most of which are under -age and need bottle feeding. This time of year, we are in critical need of experienced kitten fos-ter homes in addition to essential supplies, such as Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR), kitten bottles, kitty litter, and kitten warming pads.” As we move into the dog days of summer, OC Animal Care may adjust activities for pet safety during the high temperatures—for example, shorten walks and play groups as needed. They are fortunate to have climate-controlled kennels for all of the animals, which include A/C to keep everyone cool. PHOTOS COURTESY ANNENBERG PETSPACE A nnenberg PetSpace is a unique community space featuring an interactive place for pet adoptions, an education center, and a leadership institute. Annenberg PetSpace focuses squarely on the mutually beneficial and dynamic bond between people and their pets, as well as the origins and science of that relationship. Located in Playa Del Vista, California, the weather is typically mild, although temperatures can and do rise to dangerous levels during the height of the summer months. Animal Care Manager Courtney Stone says, “During those times, dog enrichment is modified to cooler activities like kiddie pools in the play yard and in-kennel enrichment.” 72 petcompanionmag.com While adoptions tend to increase during the summer, the season also brings an influx of kittens to the Los Angeles area, and to help with the increase of kittens in shelters, Stone says, “We work with fosters who can take in a litter, and give them extra care and attention while they develop at a young age. It helps us to take more animals off the hands of our partner organizations to give them more space to do their lifesaving work, too.” Annenberg PetSpace also steps up to assist when fires occur, taking in additional adoptable pets to help other organizations clear space in their own facilities for animals that are displaced during disasters. Most importantly, Annenberg PetSpace is always looking to connect with more people looking to adopt as well. “The more we can celebrate the human-animal bond through pet adoption, the more animals we can help find forever homes,” reports Courtney. To learn more about Annenberg PetSpace, including how to volunteer and donate, visit annenbergpetspace.org. With pandemic protocols changing, OC Animal Care is excited to onboard new volun-teers to help throughout the shelter, particularly in areas such as the on-site kitten nursery, dog playgroups, walks, and enrichment; and program administrative support, and foster families. For more information, including Amazon wish lists, visit www.ocpetinfo.com. PHOTO COURTESY OC ANIMAL SHELTER