AN URGENT appeal for volunteers has been launched by the RSPCA Clwyd and Colwyn Branch.

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

Across Wales, rehoming has slowed down for the RSPCA, but the number of animals coming into the care of the charity is not.

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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 “forever home”.

RSPCA Clwyd and Colwyn 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 June 20, three kittens - estimated to be aged about 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 clinic in Rhyl provides treatments 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 receive state benefits or have lower annual incomes.

It covers the whole of North Wales, and 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 visit into the clinic, on Vaughan Street, email reception@rspca-clwydandcolwyn.org.uk, or call 01745 610383.