Branch launches urgent appeal for foster carers and volunteers

Could you volunteer and help RSPCA Clwyd and Colwyn Branch?

An urgent appeal for volunteers has been launched by the RSPCA Clwyd and Colwyn Branch.

The branch – which runs  RSPCA Animal Welfare Clinic in Rhyl –  is looking to recruit a number of animal lovers to help support their animal welfare work within the community and to also become foster carers to the increasing number of animals coming in their care.

Sadly, across Wales rehoming has slowed down for the RSPCA – as people begin to cut back on spending – however the number of animals coming into the care of the animal welfare charity and its branches is not slowing down.

Currently, there are more than 1,400 animals waiting in private boarding centres across England and Wales because RSPCA centres are full. This is costing the charity in the region of £500,000 a month.

Foster carers can provide a temporary safe place for animals in need until they can find their pawfect forever home.

RSPCA Clwyd and Colwyn Branch Branch Manager Kieren Barlow said: “We would love to hear from anyone who can spare a few hours to help our work, or who can provide a foster home for a rescued cat or kittens.

“If you choose to volunteer, it’s not just the animals you’ll be helping – it will also enable you to learn new skills and gain some experience along the way too.

“We are seeing an increasing number of people who are struggling with the cost of living crisis – and who can’t afford to keep their pets. Unfortunately this is also leading to abandonments.”

On 20 June three kittens – estimated to be aged around eight weeks old – were found by a member of the public in Abergele in a cardboard box. The RSPCA Animal Welfare Clinic in Rhyl gave the kittens an initial veterinary health check and placed them in foster care.

Kieren added: “We were very lucky that we had a foster carer available to take these lovely kittens on.

“But we are desperately searching for new helpers to come on board with us to help us give these animals a loving and safe environment – until enquiries are completed and homes are found for them.

“Volunteering as a fosterer is incredibly rewarding and it’s ideal if you’d like to welcome an animal into your home without the long-term commitment of adopting yourself.

“Moving animals into home environments can help them have a faster recovery or prepare them for life in their forever home once they are adopted. It also helps to free up space in centres and boarding establishments for other animals who may need our help.”

The branch will cover costs of care and foster carers will just need to provide the animals with a safe space and some and TLC!

“Times are tough, but fostering could be a lifeline to helping us as we approach a busy summer season. It is not only an amazing, rewarding volunteering opportunity; but could also help alleviate real pressure on our resources,” added Keiren.

For more information about the RSPCA Animal Welfare Clinic, please visit their website. RSPCA branches are self-funding and raise money locally to support the animal welfare work they do.

The branch clinic in Rhyl provides affordable veterinary treatment, including neutering and microchipping and all surgical and veterinary needs for animals that come into the branch’s care and also for pets whose owners are in receipt of state benefits or have lower annual incomes and covers the whole of North Wales.

It also provides life-saving care to a wide range of sick and injured wildlife brought in by members of the public.

If you would like to volunteer or are interested in becoming a foster carer,  please pop into the clinic (Vaughan Street) for an application form, email reception@rspca-clwydandcolwyn.org.uk  or please call 01745 610383.