Feral Cats

What is a feral cat?

A feral cat is a free-roaming outdoor cat that has never been socialized. Most feral cats live in bonded groups or colonies. They gather where they can find shelter and a reliable food source. As these outdoor cats have never been handled, they cannot be tamed and cannot be adopted into homes. For this reason Feral Cats should never be relinquished to a shelter.

Outdoor cats can live long healthy lives as long as they are managed responsibly. Caretakers should provide basic shelter, food and access to water. In order to control the population of feral cats it is imperative that all cats within a colony be spayed and neutered.

The Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter recommends Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) as the preferred method of managing feral cats.

You can find more information on feral cats by following the links below:

Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR)
Spay/Neuter Assistance
Barn Cat Program
Cat Socialization Program



Kitten Wish List

The Kitten Foster Program is managed solely by the VBAS and is 100% funded by monetary and in-kind donations made to the organization. Countless feline lives are saved each year by this highly successful program. As our kitten population increases each year, so does our need for additional supplies.

Please support the VBAS by contributing any available amount of the following items:

  • Natural Balance Green Pea & Chicken canned cat food
  • Natural Balance Green Pea & Chicken dry cat food
  • Royal Canin Babycat dry food
  • Gerber Baby Food – Chicken or Turkey
  • KMR by PetAg – Milk Replacement for Kittens
  • Feeding Bottles
  • Cat Litter – Scoop or Crystals
  • Small Litter Pans
  • Heating Pads
  • Digital Scales
  • Scratching Posts
  • Kitten Shampoo
  • Donation to Sponsor a Kitten Program

Donations can be dropped off at the shelter during business hours. Thank you for your contributions!

Download and print a copy of the wish list!



TREY

Very gentle & sweet boy Trey is looking for home.
He loves to talk, he likes to play with other cats and he is one of the most beautiful cat we ever seen.
This nice personality is may be from his ancestor?
Or this peaceful young boy must have came from the peaceful star in universe.
He is big and looks very strong, but little shy. He is funny, too.
He is always following us when he is not sleepy and tells us what he saw 5 minutes ago or what game he wants to play, etc.
Trey will bring happiness to your home for sure!
Please contact foster parents Sage & Kasumi at (818) 762-3470



MIMOSA

Description: Hi, Mimosa’s new foster mom here…….This terrific girl has only been in my home for 2dys but she has already proven herself to be the most perfect kitten. I do not understand why somebody has not snapped her up already…….She has adapted so quickly to my home and is so friendly to the other cats in the house and is so affectionate with me, I can’t think of one negative thing to say about her…….Mimosa has that perfect trust thing going on, you know where she comes up on your chest and lays down on thin air just knowing that your arms will automatically be there to hold and support her. Not every cat will do this, it’s a gift.
Foster Contact: Anne 818-469-3937 or cal-mac@pacbell.net



Education

In a continual effort to increase awareness about the VBAS, the Burbank Animal Shelter and our roles within the community, the VBAS hosts and attends a number of community events throughout the year. From our Vaccination Clinic to our How to be a Better Pet Parent lecture series at the Buena Vista Library, we look to provide education on animal-related topics that include pet healthcare, pet safety, training tips and so much more. Next time you see the VBAS sign around town, stop by and see what information we can offer you.

Learn more about:



Community Outreach

As part of our effort to achieve the goals set forth in our organization’s mission statement, the VBAS strives to be an educational resource within the community for animal lovers and pet owners. Knowledge and tools regarding a variety of animal care topics are shared with the public via VBAS publications, presentations and social networking sites.



Board Members

The VBAS Board is responsible for both the day-to-day operations of our organization as well as the strategic planning of our organization. Board members work with fellow volunteers, the shelter staff and the public to evolve VBAS initiatives, programs and activities so that we can accomplish our mission and attain our vision.



Lost Animals

Many animals that arrive at the shelter do have an owner but have somehow discovered themselves lost or managed to escape their home for what they think will be playtime. If you have lost your pet, below are a few tips and resources we hope will help you recover your pet quickly.

Microchip and Register Your Pet

Implanting a microchip is a quick and inexpensive process. The Burbank Animal Shelter adoption fees include implantation of a microchip. This is a preventative step that could be the link to your pet some day. Should your pet find itself lost, any shelter or rescue organization will first scan the animal to see if it has a microchip, and therefore, an owner. The shelter can access national registries with owner information. PLEASE NOTE: In addition to implanting the microchip, you must register your animal with the microchip company and keep your contact information up-to-date.

Tips for Finding Your Lost Pet

• Go in and physically check through the animal shelters for your lost pet. Do this daily.

• File a lost report with your local animal shelter and follow up with them often since information in the book could inadvertently be missed.

• Create a flyer to distribute in the area where your pet was lost. Distribute this flyer to animal shelters, veterinary hospitals, groomers, and other local businesses. Include a good description of your pet, a picture of your pet, date lost, and your contact information. A permit is needed to post flyers in your neighborhood. Contact the License & Code Service Division at (818) 238-5280 for information on obtaining a permit to post flyers in your neighborhood. Canvass the entire area where your pet was lost.

• Place a lost ad in your local paper.

• If your pet has a microchip, contact the microchip company immediately to advise them you have lost your pet and to confirm that they have the correct contact information for you.

• File a lost report on www.petharbor.com This website automatically sends you daily e-mail updates listing all pets found in your area that match your pet’s description.

• Remember that you must continuously search for your lost pet and ultimately the search will only be as good as the effort you put forth, so don’t give up.

• While the animal shelter will do its best to return lost pets to their owners, ultimately it is the owner’s responsibility to check the shelter daily for their lost pet.



Our Programs

The goal of all VBAS programs and activities is to improve the quality of life for our animals, while they are residents of the shelter and when they are seeking and finding a new home. Committed to the philosophy that each and every animal is a unique and valued being, our programs would not be possible without the dedication and hard work from our volunteers.



Dog Wish List

Some of our canine shelter residents are in need of a little extra attention and training, and all of our dog residents need a little comfort and play time. The VBAS offers training through the Happy Tail Program, which is 100% funded by monetary and in-kind donations to the VBAS.

You can help support the VBAS and the shelter by contributing any available amount of the following items:

  • Kong-like toys (Size: M or L)
  • Soft Jerky or Milk Bone dog treats
  • Softball size and larger balls made out of sturdy material
  • Blankets (Size: full or twin)
  • Top Paw® 6ft. nylon leashes*
  • Top Paw® Choke Chain Training Collar (14” or 20”)*
  • Top Paw® Perfect Fit Adjustable Harness (Size: S, M, or L)*
  • Collars (Size: S, M, or L)
  • Mountain collars for training (Size: M or L)
  • Donation to Sponsor a Training Session

All Top Paw® products can be found at Petsmart.

Donations can be dropped off at the shelter during business hours. Thank you for your contributions!