Humane Society of Lawton-Comanche County
Neonate/Kitten/Puppy Foster Program

Fostering puppies and kittens, while very rewarding, is one of the most challenging aspects of fostering pets in need. Fostering neonate animals will require special training, extensive care and special skills. While fostering puppies or kittens is less extensive, additional training and care will be needed for successfully fostering these young animals. The Humane Society of Lawton-Comanche County will provide the training and supplies you will need to foster and care for these special needs pets. ​

Fostering Neonates

Neonates are animals that have been orphaned by their mothers. Many times the Humane Society will take in whole litters of babies that need to be cared for. These babies will need round-the-clock care including:

• Bottle feeding every 2-4 hours, depending on age
• Assisting the babies to potty
• Bathing and cleaning the baby
• Changing blankets and other padding as it gets soiled 
• Keeping the babies warm with a heating pad
• Watching for medical emergencies such as fading puppy or kitten syndrome 
• Possibly treating for medical emergencies at home, such as safely administering "Karo" syrup for declining health
• Emergency transport to veterinarian for immediate care

Fostering and caring for animals at such a young age takes a lot of patience. The survival rates can be low, depending on the age and condition of the neonate when the Humane Society gets involved. A foster parent will need to be aware of the potential outcome of these babies and have the emotional strength to handle a death of a little one. If you have the time, patience and emotional strength that it takes to care for these babies, we can always use neonatal foster parents. ​

Frequently Asked Questions

Fostering Puppies and Kittens

Kittens and puppies are animals that are less than 6 months old and are able to eat solid food on their own. These animals will still require a lot of care including:

• Cleaning up after the little ones until they are potty trained
• Bathing and cleaning 
• Socializing and ensuring they get enough exercise
• Specialty training such as housebreaking and crate training
• Monitoring them for any sign of illness including vomiting, diarrhea, listless or general not feeling well
• Transporting to our veterinarian for regular health checks

Depending on the age of the puppy or kitten, these animals could be in your care for 2-3 months before they are available for adoption.

​For more information on fostering puppies, kittens and neonates, contact us today. ​

Foster Coordinators

​Foster coordinators are volunteers within the Humane Society of Lawton-Comanche County who are available to give advice and general support to  foster parents. Foster coordinators have extensive experience within the Humane Society and working with foster families and neonates, kittens and puppies in particular. You will be assigned a foster coordinator when you pick up your foster baby. This person should be your primary go-to person for all foster questions or needs. If an emergency occurs and you can't contact your primary foster coordinator, it's ok to go to the next coordinator on the list until you reach someone. 
Foster families within the Humane Society of Lawton-Comanche County also have access to a private Facebook page. This page is a great way to ask questions, gain guidance and talk with other foster families. It is also a primary way in which to contact foster coordinators as needed. Fosters will need to be accepted into the Facebook page by page admins upon verification of foster status.

Foster Facebook Page