Since the ASPCA’s 2014 announcement of our $25 million, multi-year commitment to saving animals in Los Angeles, we have had the privilege of teaming up with many of LA’s most committed animal advocates to make a positive impact for thousands of cats and dogs in the area. One way in which we’re making a difference is by empowering community members to assist homeless pets in their own neighborhoods. Recently, two LA families did just that.

With guidance from the ASPCA’s Safety Net program, a collaboration with the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Control and the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation, the Fernandez family welcomed three neonate kittens into their home earlier this summer. After one month of care, the tiny felines were strong enough to be placed in loving homes. The Fernandez family helped to find willing adopters for the kittens, and stayed in contact with them following the adoption process to make sure the kittens continued to thrive.

A Good Samaritan named Christina found two abandoned kittens in her neighborhood, who she named Vanilla and Cinnamon. Christina brought the kittens to the ASPCA, where we provided her with vouchers for spay/neuter procedures, cat food and a crate to get her started. Christina plans to care for Vanilla and Cinnamon until they are old enough to be spayed/neutered and find loving forever homes.

“We are in the midst of kitten season, the time of year when the number of kittens entering shelters in Los Angeles and across the country skyrockets,” says Bernice Osorto, Safety Net manager for the ASPCA. “Fostering kittens during this busy season can help free up space in crowded shelters and save lives.”

We are thankful to the Fernandez family, as well as Christina, for working toward positive change for animals in their communities. 

The Fernandez family, pictured here, also adopted two dogs named Tbone and Nini.