The RSPCA urgently needs more foster carers to help free up spaces in its animal centres, as 700 rescued animals are waiting for a space.
Because its rehoming centres are 'full to bursting,' the charity estimates it is spending £26,000 a week on private boarders for the temporary care of hundreds of rescued animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, small furry animals, exotic pets, birds and farm animals.
53 animals are in private boarding, making Cumbria the third busiest area across England and Wales for animals waiting outside of RSPCA rehoming centres.
The RSPCA has launched an appeal to recruit more fosterers, who can care for the animals temporarily in their homes while being supported by the charity.
Brian Reeves, head of the volunteering at the RSPCA, said: “We are struggling - including in Cumbria.
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“RSPCA centres across England and Wales are full to bursting at the moment which means we’re having to use vital charity funds to pay for animals to be cared for with private boarders and have a long waiting list of animals waiting to come into our centres where they can start their search for a new home.
“We are in the middle of an animal crisis and we can only see it getting worse over the winter months as the cost of living crisis bites. It’s absolutely vital that we free up as much space in RSPCA centres now, so we’ve got room for animal victims of neglect and cruelty we rescued in the coming weeks and months - and getting more fosterers is going to be crucial in achieving that.
“Getting pets into loving foster homes - especially ahead of the winter months - will be a lifeline to our frontline officers and the animals in danger we need to rescue.”
Capacity problems at RSPCA centres are being exacerbated by an increase in calls to the RSPCA post-pandemic, a slowdown in rehoming, and a surge in the number of animals coming into the charity's care as cost of living pressures continue to bite.
Those interested in applying to be an RSPCA fosterer can do so online via the RSPCA's volunteering portal at volunteer.rspca.org.uk.
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