One of the best parts of being a pet photographer is the chance to volunteer and take photos of the animals that are looking for their furever homes. The bulk of my time at Alchemy Acres Animal Sanctuary this week was spent photographing tiny, little kittens. They are overflowing with them!! The season for homeless kittens is in full bloom right now. It usually starts in the Spring and ends in the Fall. That means early Summer is when rescues and shelters are hit hard with an onslaught of these cute little babies. The bad news, every group around Youngstown is full of kittens. While every shelter and rescue does as much as they can to find these kitties homes, they can only do so much when they are at maximum capacity.

How can you help if you aren’t able to adopt a new pet at this time? Become a foster parent for an adoptable animal. If you have the room in your home and your heart, it is a great opportunity for an animal to bond with humans while waiting for their forever home. Be sure if you have a pet that they you have spayed or neutered your pet. Cats, especially those that are outdoor or indoor/outdoor cats can get pregnant as young as six months of age! Help your local shelter with donations of supplies, money or volunteer your time. When the groups are overflowing with animals they deplete their resources. Any little bit you can do will help them!

Of course I had the chance to photograph some adorable dogs as well during my time at Alchemy.  Take a look at the adorable faces below to see if any of them tug at your heart to stop out and take a look!