by Lorie Lewis Ham

KRL would like to welcome local animal rescue Cats By The Tracks to KRL’s growing list of animal rescue columns. Their first column will go up next month, but we took some time this month to get to know them a little better. We chatted with their coordinator Jeremy Goodrich. Jeremy helps rescue animals, find foster families, and approve adoptions. He also manages their social media and website, as well as their donation platform. Cats By The Tracks is currently located in Fresno, as well as Santa Cruz County. They have adoption centers throughout California, and rescue animals from all over California.

KRL: How and when did Cats by the Tracks come to be, and how did you come up with the name?

JG: Cats By The Tracks was formed in 2018, and officially became a non-profit in 2019. We came up with the name because our President often transports animals to new homes, and most of the cats we rescue are “homeless”.

KRL: How exactly does Cats by the Tracks operate? Do you have a shelter, just foster homes, etc.?

JG: Cats By The Tracks is primarily foster based, with adoption centers in Milpitas, Bakersfield, and Felton, California. All of our animals are placed in foster homes until they are vetted and ready for forever homes. Once ready for homes, the animals are transported to adoption centers; we also facilitate adoptions in Fresno.

KRL: What would you consider the hardest part about being involved in animal rescue?

JG: The hardest part about being involved in animal rescue is seeing how many animals are euthanized every day by shelters. At the Central California SPCA many animals are euthanized every day, partly because they do not work with rescues well. We are actually not allowed to pull from CCSPCA, because they do not support no kill rescues.

KRL: How many cats would you estimate you save a year?

JG: In 2020 alone, we have saved over 2,000 cats and kittens from shelters, as well as the public. This is a huge number for a small rescue and we are very proud of our numbers.

KRL: Wow that’s amazing! What kind and how many events do you typically do in a normal year?

JG: Normally, we host adoption events on the weekend. Due to Covid-19, we have suspended events and are using our social media accounts to advertise animals.

KRL: What kind of things have you had to do to face the challenges of the pandemic?

JG: It has been hard to showcase animals available for adoption, because we have suspended events. We have created new ways to find forever homes, including driving the animals to potential adopters homes.

KRL: Are you all volunteer? How many volunteers do you have?

JG: Yes, we are 100% volunteers. We currently have about five admin volunteers, and about 60 foster parents, total.

KRL: How can people help?

JG: We can use all sorts of helps! From volunteering, to fostering, to donating. Visit our website at catsbythetracks.com for more info, or email us!

KRL: Do you have a special stand out rescue story to share?

JG: In August, a horrible fire broke out in Santa Cruz County. We had volunteers deployed to help rescue cats and kittens, and temporarily held animals for those who were displaced. It felt great to help those who needed our help the most!

KRL: How can people contact you and find you online?

Website: www.Catsbythetracks.com
Email: info@catsbythetracks[dot}com
Twitter: @CatsBytracks
Facebook: www.facebook.com/catsbythetracksrescue

Watch for Cats By The Tracks new column in February!

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section & watch for more stories. You can also keep up with our pet articles by joining our KRL Facebook group.

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.