Between the months of April through August, wildlife and feline offspring are popping up in the most surprising situations, sometimes requiring intervention for their survival. Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Cordova

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Spring is right around the corner, and the City of Rancho Cordova Animal Services Division is preparing for the busiest season of the year, kitten season!

Between the months of April through August, wildlife and feline offspring are popping up in the most surprising situations, sometimes requiring intervention for their survival. The most common orphaned animals needing care are kittens, opossums, squirrels and fledglings.

However, the City of Rancho Cordova Animal Services team has rescued fawns, coyotes, beavers, raccoons, skunks, foxes, rabbits and many other native wild species. For these unowned animals, the city’s incredible Animal Services Division serves as temporary fosters until staff can locate the appropriate rescue to rehabilitate the babies. To properly foster the animals, the Animal Services Division is asking for your help.

The Animal Services Division is accepting donations of several items to help care for animals in the shelter, including clean, used towels or blankets (no sheets, pillows or pillowcases), as well as new towels or fleece blankets. The division is also seeking kitten care supplies such as kitten bottles, the “Miracle Nipple” feeding tool, kitten formula (first step), kitten wet food and Gerber meat with gravy baby food without vegetables. Additional requested items include instant hand warmers, microwavable warming disks, new dog collars with metal buckles in all sizes, pet waste bags, new dog leashes that are six feet or less and new dog harnesses in all sizes. The shelter will also accept unopened small bags of dog and cat food, unopened cans of dog and cat wet food and new dog and cat toys.

Additionally, the Animal Services Division is creating pet ownership goody bag for veterans, low-income and unhoused pet owners during the month of April. Donations for this program will directly support the Rancho Cordova community.

If you would like to donate, visit the Amazon Wish List here: amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2EWBPT7OAHQTP/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

Donations can be mailed or delivered to Rancho Cordova Animal Services, 2880 Gold Tailings Court during normal business hours (closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.). Donations are accepted year-round but encourage donation of neonatal supplies before May. Call the Animal Services Division if you would like to make a monetary donation at 916-851-8852.

Don’t forget: All dogs and cats require a pet license. Thanks to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund, pet licenses will be provided to Rancho Cordova residents free of charge. Visit cityofranchocordova.org/departments/community-development/neighborhood-services/animal-services to obtain a pet license now.