Pets

Pet people. It's like they have a secret club with weird things like kitty yoga and members-only dog runs. It may not actually be that exclusive, but the petless shouldn't try for entry without a Labradoodle or Puggle in tow.

Still, you love animals and want in. Problem is, who can handle a pet? (You even forget to feed yourself sometimes.)

Purr-fect solution: Animal Care & Control of New York City's pet-fostering program. The shelter uses this option when it's running out of room or when young animals need special care until they're of adoptable age. Foster parents house the darlings in their homes for one to six weeks. The neediest pets tend to be abandoned puppies and mother cats and their kittens (surprise, surprise).

Yes, the whole idea is insanely cute. But it's much more: These animals might be put to sleep if someone doesn't take care of them. (Sorry for the downer.) So here's your chance to be a hero.

Should you find you're finally ready to take the pet-ernity plunge, well, welcome to the club.

Animal Care & Control of New York City (212-788-4000 or nycacc.org)