Far north animal charities in Thurso for volunteer recruitment event
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Two far north animal rescue charities are joining forces this weekend to hold a “meet and greet” and volunteer fosterer recruitment event in Thurso.
Cats Protection and local dog charity KWK9 Rescue are looking to recruit more volunteer fosterers in both Caithness and east Sutherland to care for unwanted and abandoned animals while they wait to find a new owner.
It comes as the Scottish SPCA is closing its local animal rescue shelter at Balmore this month, with an aim of increasing its community outreach work which includes a target of tripling the number of its own foster carers nationally.
Cats Protection and KWK9 Rescue said that fostering is hands-on welfare work looking after animals on a short-term basis, and both charities need people who can offer a temporary home to one or more animals. Both organisations say they will provide plenty of assistance, training and all required support materials for new fosterers.
A spokeswoman said: “The need for more fosterers has become more urgent in light of the forthcoming closure of the local SSPCA centre, but please be assured that both charities will do their very best to continue to help all dogs, cats and owners who need our assistance.
“You could be part of this process as a fosterer, or, if you are in need of help with either a cat or dog, feel free to discuss it with us at the open day.”
As well as finding new homes for unwanted and abandoned cats, Cats Protection also offers cat care advice to the public and can help towards the cost of neutering.
KWK9 Rescue was originally set up by founder Anne Campbell in 2010 when she was the local warden and stray dogs came to the end of their seven-day stay in the council kennels and needed to find a new home.
Since then KWK9 has rehomed hundreds of dogs, some of which still arrive as unclaimed strays but most are now taken in by the charity due to a change in circumstances meaning they need to find a new home.
All dogs that come to KWK9 Rescue are placed in a foster home to make the transition to finding a new home as smooth as possible and allow them to assess each dog to ensure they find the best home possible for them.
As well as finding new homes for dogs, KWK9 Rescue can offer help with dog care advice, support with dog food/equipment, assistance with vet bills or help towards the cost of neutering/spaying when appropriate.
The drop-in event takes place at the Pentland Hotel in Thurso on Saturday, October 7, from 11am-2.30pm. Anybody who cannot attend but is interested in becoming a fosterer for Cats Protection or KWK9 Rescue can email enquiries@caithness.cats.org.uk or visit www.KWK9.org as appropriate.
