CATS, dogs, rabbits, rats and ferrets are among the animals currently being cared for at Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District RSPCA.

Animals arrive in their care for a range of reasons: it could be part of a cruelty case, an owner no longer being able to afford or effectively care for their pet, or the death of an owner - leaving an animal with no carer.

”We try to foster any dog and cat over the age of ten, as kennel and cattery life can be much harder for older pets,” said animal centre manager Claire Kendall. “Any cats that are showing signs of stress in the shelter will be placed in a foster home, we’re proud of foster network and we’re always on the lookout for anyone who may want to foster an animal whilst they wait to find their forever homes.”

Before being place for adoption depends on the animal and vaccination status. Dogs need two vaccines, so this takes a fortnight to complete. With cats it takes three weeks. “During this time we carry out behaviour assessments so that we can decide what type of home will best suit each animal.”

Owners may already have other pets that they need to take into consideration, and also take into account children living in the house.

“We always carry out home visits - virtually at present - and also telephone consultations to ensure a new prospective home will be ideal for the animals in our care and meet their specific needs,” said Fay Gibbons, digital, community and events fundraiser at the centre.“We also do after adoption follow ups, to ensure that our adopters are managing and okay and we’re there to support them if they need any advice or support.”

New adopters often keep in touch with the centre to let them know how they are getting on. “It’s lovely for the staff to see, especially if it’s an animal that we have become attached to. We share news regularly to our social media following, so it’s worth checking us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and TikTok,” said Fay.

“It’s rewarding when an animal finds a loving home. “Adoption days are just the best. It can be particularly emotional when it’s an animal that we know has had a tough start in life, it’s heart-warming to know that we’ve helped them find a home.”

The centre, in Queen’s Road, Halifax, rarely has long-term residents. “When we do it’s usually down to behavioural reasons with the pet,” said Claire. “We are, however, proud to have a on-site behaviourist that works daily with our dogs, developing training plans and working with them one-on-one, to help them transition into new homes successfully.

“We also find certain types of dogs get overlooked such as cross-breeds and that pedigrees and smaller fluffier-type dogs are always adopted much faster, so we work hard to promote the dogs who may get overlooked as they’re fantastic dogs too.

*Anyone interested in viewing some of the animals available for rehoming can visit the website rspcahalifaxhuddersfieldbradford.org.uk.

An adoption form online can be filled in if you’re interested in any of the animals looking for homes. To contact the animal care team email: enquiries@rspcahalifaxhuddersfieldbradford.org.uk or call 01422 365628.

*To donate visit the website.

Chico - 10 years Male Brindle

Miss Pickles - 7 years Female White

Rory - 6 years Male White and Black

Runner Bean - Kitten 14 weeks Male Tabby

Diamond - 2 years Female Tricolour Guinea Pig

Wilson - 13 weeks Male Sandy - Rabbit

Peanut - 14 weeks Female Black and Tan Ferret