Montgomery County Animal Shelter foster coordinator added to staff

CONROE, Texas - The latest addition to the staff at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter is hoping to help more dogs and cats find temporary homes on their way to permanent adoption.

Kristen Orion has been named foster coordinator at MCAS, a role in which she will serve as liaison between the shelter and individuals and organizations that help transition animals to new homes. The announcement was made by MCAS director Dr. Todd Hayden.

"The importance of the shelter working effectively with foster and rescue groups cannot be overstated," said Dr. Hayden. "It is essential that we coordinate our efforts for the benefit of all concerned, most especially the animals."

Foster programs help find temporary housing and support for dogs and cats awaiting adoption, an especially important consideration for animals who have been at the shelter for a while. To protect them, a network of volunteers and animal enthusiasts to safeguard the animals and help find permanent homes.

"My goal is help create strong support systems that assist foster families in their efforts to help shelter animals," said Orion. "A lot of people are passionate about animal welfare and the shelter needs to help them with those efforts."

Orion has a background in creating management and organizational systems in a variety of professions, including education, corrections and treatment centers. This position offers her an opportunity to combine her professional skill set with her personal convictions. She currently has several rescue dogs at home and has fostered numerous animals awaiting permanent placement.

"Our first goal is improving two-way communication with foster and rescue groups as well as individuals and the public at large," said Orion. "I'd also like to see us do educational seminars as well as Meet & Greet and open house events."

Improving communication and improving the relationship with foster and rescue groups is a good idea, according to Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Clark, who has oversight responsibility for MCAS. By establishing Orion as the foster point person, he hopes the shelter can develop a better working relationship with the foster community.

"We want to encourage foster groups and develop a better, more productive relationship," said Clark. "They are extremely important to the success of MCAS."

For more information on the Montgomery County Animal Shelter, located at 8535 Highway 242 in Conroe, visit www.mcaspets.org.