Animal lovers are needed to foster unwanted pets

An inundated charity is asking people to volunteer to take in cats, dogs and small animals in the borough while new permanent homes are being found.

Mum Karen Hawkins, of Stanmore, has been fostering cats through Guardian Angels Animal Support for two years.

The 50 year-old said it is one of the most rewarding things she's done and has already taken in more than 20.

She said: "We're inundated in kitten season. People dump cats, litters are born in gardens - there are so many. It's horrendous, terrible. We don't turn any one away, if we don't have space in our foster homes we try to help by advertising the animals on Facebook.

"But we need more foster carers."

Mrs Hawkins said she volunteered as a fosterer after she adopted a cat with the charity.

She said: "We're like a stepping stone to their new future. It's hard to let them go, but you know their new house has been checked and they're going to a wonderful home - it does get easier.

"Being a fosterer is very rewarding. You help change their lives around. Cats that have been feral, you see them change.

"My children have been brought up with animals around them.

"One of our fosters came to me, she was a mum with a new born litter - my children have seen them grow up from the day they were born.

"It's a great experience for them and I hope they will carry on themselves."

Mrs Hawkins said some animals come to the charity because their owner's circumstances change, for example, the owner has moved to somewhere that doesn't allow pets, the family is emigrating, relationship breakdowns/divorce, a family member has an allergy or the owner has passed away or taken into a care home.

She said these animals are then are just simply unwanted, some are found wandering out in the cold with no food, drink or shelter, some may be injured or need urgent veterinary care and medicine.

Those who rescue the pets do not always have a shelters, or the room to take on as many animals as they receive calls for, which is why it's vital more fosterers sign up.

Fostering involves temporarily taking in a cat or dog and providing all the necessities to ensure they are healthy and happy.

Fosterers can go out to work or have other pets and don't need to have a garden.

People can foster for as long as they like and the rescuers will also provide all food and medical care needed, as well as offering ongoing support.

Mrs Hawkins added: "It would be so helpful if our foster carers have their own transport as they may need to transport an animal from a to b.

"And if there are people out there who for whatever reason are unable to have an animal of their own but would like to help in some other way, we would be very grateful for transporters.

"All of our animals are fostered in a home environment as we do not have a rescue centre."

To become a fosterer contact at Meena at Guardian Angels on 08447452122 / 07825 44 36 81 or email guardianangelanimals@outlook.com.