March 2019 by Casandra Mensing, Neonatal Ward Manager, Austin Pets Alive!

Audience: Shelter/Rescue Staff & Volunteers, Veterinary Team

Video Length: 48:56

Bottle Baby 101 (Part 1 of 2)

Over 11,000 kittens have been saved over the last 10 years by Austin Pets Alive!, but despite Austin's success, neonatal kittens continue to be one of the most vulnerable populations of pets in shelter's today. Virtually every single kitten in the nursery (>2000 per year) must go to foster. Part one of this two-part presentation will teach you how to start a volunteer-run bottle baby nursery and how to build it to become to be one of the most engaging and lifesaving programs in your community. This presentation was recorded by Maddie's Fund® at the 2019 American Pets Alive! Conference.

View Bottle Baby 102 (Part 2 of 2)

About Casandra Mensing

Casandra Mensing grew up in South Carolina and received a BA in Psychology from Clemson University. She moved to Austin in 2009 and promptly became a fixture in APA!'s Bottle Baby Program. She worked countless hours as a volunteer before becoming the neonatal ward manager for Austin Pets Alive! in 2011. Under her direction, APA!'s Bottle Baby program celebrated an unprecedented 90 percent save rate during the 2013 season. In her spare time, she enjoys being outside and hanging out with her two dogs and two cats - all APA! alumni.