The RSPCA Lancashire East Branch is seeking new foster carers to help dogs and cats find permanent homes.
The charity is looking for animal lovers who can provide temporary accommodation for dogs and cats being rehomed from its centre in Altham, near Accrington.
Potential foster carers must have empathy and patience to support animals who have experienced difficult times.
Sue Abraham, fostering co-ordinator at RSPCA Lancashire East Branch, said: "Our foster carers play an invaluable role in the work of the branch, but at the moment, for a variety of reasons, we don’t have enough of them."
The branch always has dogs that need to go into foster care, and currently, there are four English toy terriers waiting to be placed with a foster carer.
Ms Abraham said: "We look for permanent homes for our animals later, but our fosterers help them make that move as some of our animals find that life in kennels can be a bit stressful."
The branch's fostering scheme, launched in April 2022, has seen many success stories, including long-stay lurcher Scooby, who found his forever home after being fostered by the branch’s animal care assistant.
All foster carers have their food and vet costs covered and are provided with equipment such as toys, beds, and litter trays.
Foster carers must be over 18 and live no more than an hour’s drive from the centre.
They are required to complete paperwork to update the RSPCA on the health and behaviour of their animals during their stay.
Ms Abraham said: "We give all our fosterers plenty of support so they can care for our animals.
"A key requirement is they must have the time to devote to a fostered animal and they need to provide a suitable home environment."
More details and application forms are available on the RSPCA Lancashire East Branch website.
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