A charity in Burford is seeking animal lovers to foster homeless pets ranging from tiny mice to horses.

Blue Cross is in need of devoted carers who can offer temporary homes for these abandoned animals until they can be placed into permanent families.

Centre manager at Blue Cross in Burford, Hannah Wiltshire, said: "We are looking for volunteer carers to foster all kinds of pets including tiny mice up to cats and dogs.

"It is particularly important for us to find foster homes for kittens and adult dogs so that they can have positive experiences in a real home during their first few weeks of life.

"This helps them get used to everyday noises and activities, so they grow into well-adjusted, confident, and happy adult pets."

Interested foster carers must be over 18 and have their own transport for vet visits and meetings with potential new pet owners at the centre.

Even those available for short periods or certain times of the year are highly valued, especially for emergency cases.

Blue Cross offers full training and ongoing support for volunteer foster carers, covering all associated costs.

Requirements include a garden or outdoor space for dog foster carers, while cat fosterers need a spare room or quiet area for the felines to adjust.

Ms Wiltshire added: "Looking after pets in need is a highly rewarding experience, as is playing a vital role in finding their future happy endings and seeing them ultimately head off to their new families."

The horse rehoming team at Burford is equally on the lookout for devoted foster carers.

Vicki Alford, who manages the horse rehoming team at Burford, said: "We are looking for a volunteer with the knowledge and facilities to provide year-round fostering space for a group of horses.

"Foster homes can really help to prepare our horses for life in a new home, whether that be as a ridden or companion horse, and leaves us with more space at the centre for emergency admits."

As the demand for Blue Cross pet welfare services grows, community participation becomes crucial to maintain its operations.

The charity said it "needs the support of animal lovers to continue its work helping pets and their people, in any way they can".

The charity encourages all forms of support, including direct donations, fundraising, volunteering at pet food banks, joining campaigns for better pet welfare, or offering foster care.

To learn more about pet fostering and all volunteering roles currently available, contact the Burford centre directly or visit the charity's website.