At Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance, we knew we needed to offer around-the-clock support to our foster parents — but we also knew that burning out our staff wasn’t an option. So, we got creative. Here’s how we built a 24/7 foster emergency support system that actually works — and how your rescue or shelter can, too.

If we want to keep saying “yes” to kittens from overcrowded shelters, bottle babies found outside, or kittens in urgent need of medical help, we have to make sure that adoptable animals are seen, noticed, and chosen. Adoptions are the engine that keeps the rescue machine running. So when things slow down? We have to adjust.

When new kittens enter a shelter environment, it is crucial to conduct comprehensive nose-to-tail examinations to ensure their well-being...