Intake Protocol for Kitten Foster Programs

Because young, homeless kittens are extremely vulnerable, it’s important that foster-based kitten programs have thorough and consistent intake screening protocols.  

Download this kitten intake protocol, created and used by the ASPCA Los Angeles Kitten Foster Program. Customize it for your foster program with oversight from your veterinarian to make it work for your organization. Information includes: 

• Tips for preventing fomite disease transmission 

• Equipment needed for intake screening 

• Suggested medical treatments and processing procedures for kittens under four weeks, kittens over four weeks, and queens 

Have a question about this resource? Ask an ASPCA Shelter Medicine Expert. 

Please note, these protocols were created for a foster-based program based in Los Angeles, California, whose population is primarily kittens over four weeks who eat well on their own. These protocols were created prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and changes have since been made to the program to accommodate current social distancing best practices. Consult your local regulations and program veterinarian for insight on how to customize this protocol to best fit your organization’s state regulations and specific circumstances.