Foster-based rescue – A rescue model where animals live in temporary volunteer homes (“fosters”) instead of a central shelter. Kindred Hearts uses fosters to care for animals until permanent adoption.

No-kill rescue – A shelter or rescue that aims not to euthanize healthy, treatable animals—even when space or resources are limited.

Sanctuary – A permanent or long‑term haven for animals that are unadoptable due to age, illness, disability, or special needs.

Spay/Neuter – Surgical procedures to sterilize animals: spaying removes female reproductive organs, neutering removes male reproductive organs. This helps prevent unwanted litters.

FIV/FeLV – Acronyms for serious feline diseases:

FIV – Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

FeLV – Feline Leukemia Virus
Both are contagious viral infections that weaken a cat’s immune system.

Dewormed – Treatment administered to eliminate internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, or tapeworms.

Flea treated – Animals are treated with medication to kill or prevent fleas and the discomfort or disease they can cause.

Owner surrendered – Describes a pet that has been voluntarily given up by their owner—often due to lifestyle changes or hardship.

Stray – An animal found wandering without a home, collar, or identification.

Abandoned – A pet left behind with no caregiver or plan for their future care.

Euthanasia list – A list of animals at shelters scheduled to be euthanized due to overpopulation, illness, or behavioral issues. Kindred Hearts prioritizes rescuing animals on these lists.

Home check – A visit by rescue volunteers to assess whether a potential adopter’s home is safe and appropriate for the animal.

Adoption contract – A written agreement outlining the adopter’s responsibilities and the rescue’s policies (e.g., returning the animal if needed, providing proper care).

Gelding – A castrated male horse, often calmer and easier to handle than stallions. Commonly used for riding or work.

Mare – An adult female horse, typically over the age of 3. Mares can be used for riding, breeding, or companionship.

DLDS (Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis) – A chronic, painful condition in horses where the suspensory ligaments (which support the lower legs) degenerate over time. It causes lameness, stiffness, and can lead to permanent disability.

Paralysis – A loss of muscle function, often in the legs, caused by injury, disease, or neurological damage. In animals, paralysis can be temporary or permanent and may require mobility aids like carts or slings, along with special care.

Anhidrosis – A condition where an animal (most commonly horses) cannot sweat properly, which makes it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature—especially in hot or humid weather. Horses with anhidrosis are at risk of overheating and may need special care, like fans, misting systems, and limited exercise during warm conditions.

Cushing’s Disease (PPID – Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction)
A hormonal disorder in older horses – caused by a tumor or dysfunction in the pituitary gland. It can lead to a long, curly coat that doesn’t shed, muscle loss, laminitis (painful hoof inflammation), excessive thirst, and frequent urination. It’s managed with medication (like pergolide), diet, and careful monitoring.

Uveitis – A painful eye condition, also known as “moon blindness,” where the middle layer of the eye becomes inflamed. It can cause redness, tearing, squinting, and in severe cases, lead to vision loss. Common in horses, especially Appaloosas. Uveitis is often recurring and requires careful long-term management with medications and protective gear like fly masks.

Heaves (Recurrent Airway Obstruction / Equine Asthma) – A chronic respiratory condition in horses, similar to asthma in humans. It causes coughing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, and reduced performance—especially when exposed to dust, mold, or poor air quality. Horses with heaves often need dust-free bedding, soaked hay, and outdoor living to manage symptoms.

IMMK (Immune-mediated Keratitis) – An eye disease in horses caused by the immune system attacking the cornea, leading to cloudiness, inflammation, discomfort, and vision problems. It requires diagnosis by a vet and is treated with special eye drops and medications to control the immune response and prevent damage.