Saving the tiniest lives: Humane Society of St. Lucie County adds kitten incubators

The new kitten incubators allow the Humane Society of St. Lucie County to regulate temperature, humidity and oxygen for neonatal kittens.

PORT ST. LUCIE — The Humane Society of St. Lucie County (HSSLC) is expanding its life-saving capabilities with the addition of not one, but two kitten incubators. These are specialized tools that will enhance care for the most fragile animals in our community.

“This is what community looks like, said Nukhet Hendricks, executive director of HSSLC. "Our team voiced a need, Hill’s Pet Nutrition doubled the impact, and then an incredible donor, Sherry Dunn, took it one step further. These incubators may seem small, but to the tiny lives inside, they are everything. They represent hope, compassion, and the belief that every life, no matter how fragile, is worth fighting for.”

The need for this specialized equipment was first raised by HSSLC’s feline care manager, who had been caring for a growing number of fragile, orphaned kittens in need of urgent, around-the-clock care. She knew an incubator could be a game-changer for their survival.

“Kittens are being born on the streets in South Florida nearly every day," said Dominique Hedgepeth, feline care manager at HSSLC. "We see the tiniest, most vulnerable of them come through our doors, especially during kitten season. The right tools allow us to give these babies a real chance at life. With an incubator, our neonatal care will only progress. Now, more than ever, are we hopeful to help kittens not only survive but thrive here in our care, so we can find them loving homes.”

In response to this need, longtime partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition launched a generous match challenge, pledging to match every donation made toward the cost of an incubator. Thanks to community support, the goal was quickly met.

Local author and donor Sherry Dunn stepped in to fund a second incubator, ensuring the shelter could maximize its capacity to care for the smallest and most fragile animals.

Then, in a surprising and heartwarming turn, local author and donor Sherry Dunn stepped in to fund a second incubator, ensuring the shelter could maximize its capacity to care for the smallest and most fragile animals.

Want to help save lives?

These incubators will allow HSSLC to regulate temperature, humidity, and oxygen for neonatal kittens and puppies who need help surviving their first critical weeks.

• Foster families are essential. Sign up here: www.hsslc.org/foster
• Found kittens? Here's what to do: www.hsslc.org/find-kittens
• Donate kitten supplies: www.Amazon Wishlist

An incubator could be a game-changer for orphaned kittens in need of urgent, around-the-clock care.

Together, we’re giving the most vulnerable animals not only a fighting chance but a future.

The Humane Society of St. Lucie County is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing compassionate care and safe shelter for homeless animals and education to the community on responsible pet ownership. For more information, visit www.hsslc.org.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Saving the tiniest lives: Humane Society of St. Lucie County adds kitten incubators