A leading animal charity is urgently seeking more volunteer foster carers to help support hundreds of vulnerable pets across Hertfordshire.

The Blue Cross rehoming centre at Blue Cross Hertfordshire Rehoming Centre has launched an appeal for local people to provide temporary homes for dogs, cats and small animals while they await permanent families.

The charity says demand for its services continues to grow, with more than 800 pets already helped by the Kimpton team this year. Staff are also dealing with an influx of pregnant cats and kittens during the busy summer breeding season, while a waiting list of animals needing care continues to grow.

Nationally, Blue Cross reports a 122 per cent increase in dogs arriving at its rehoming centres and an 80 per cent rise in cats over the past four years, which it says reflects a growing pet welfare crisis linked to rising living costs.

Volunteer foster carers play a crucial role in helping the charity care for animals before they are rehomed.

Among them is 62-year-old Deborah Cotter, who fosters cats, dogs and small animals.

She said: "I would love a pet of my own but cannot commit to it with my lifestyle. Fostering with Blue Cross gives me the freedom of giving my love and care to pets for whatever reason are with this wonderful charity before they find their well-deserved forever home."

Cat foster carer Jacqui Lines, 65, said she was inspired to volunteer after adopting rescue cats over many years.

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She said: "Blue Cross have been brilliant and I'm loving the experience and challenges that fostering has brought, whether it's energetic kittens, sick mums-to-be, or just the really timid cats that need time and space to feel confident again in the human world."

Meanwhile, guinea pig foster carer Elizabeth Flinn described the joy of seeing nervous animals gain confidence.

She said: "I like to know I've made a difference to pets who have temporarily no home and the absolutely best bit about fostering guinea pigs is the day they popcorn with happiness."

Aaron Potter, Assistant Manager at the Kimpton centre, said more foster carers are urgently needed to ensure every animal can receive support.

He said: "We're seeing more pets needing help, especially pregnant mums and kittens, and without more foster homes, we won't be able to help every pet who needs us.

"You don't need lots of experience or the perfect home to foster. We welcome people from all kinds of homes and lifestyles, and we work with each person to match them with pets that suit them.

"We cover all costs, provide training, and our team is here 365 days a year supporting you every step of the way."

The charity says foster carers receive full training and support, with Blue Cross covering all costs including food, equipment and veterinary care.

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Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can find out more via Blue Cross's volunteering programme.