EASTLEIGH residents are being encouraged to help rescue pets in need this year through fundraising initiatives at their local Pets At Home store.

Support Adoption For Pets, the UK’s largest grant giving animal charity, has launched its brand new Charity of the Year initiative, which sees rescue centres across the UK building relationships with local Pets at Home stores, to work together in raising vital funds for the rescues.

Pets at Home Eastleigh will be raising money for All Animal Rescue and will kickstart the year-long collaboration with a fundraising appeal this summer.

Amy Wilson, fundraising manager for Support Adoption For Pets, said: “The summer fundraising appeal is a great opportunity for people to support their local rescue to give pets looking for a home the vital care they deserve.

"Even the smallest of donations can make a huge difference to a pet rescue centre.

“We’re overwhelmed every year by the hard work and enthusiasm of Pets at Home stores to raise money for their local rescues, and we can’t wait to see what this year holds.”

This is the first in-store activity of the relationship and Support Adoption For Pets is asking Pets At Home stores across the UK to raise an ambitious £500,000 for its pet rescue centres.

The partnership will allow the charity to utilise resources in the Pets at Home store, including access to the community boards and donated pallets of stock.

From May 17 to June 13, there will be a range of activities taking place, with Pets at Home customers and animal lovers in the local area able to interact with the rescue centre team.

Adam Frost, store manager at Pets at Home Eastleigh said: “We’re delighted to be raising money for All Animal Rescue this year, and hope that the people of Eastleigh will get involved and support us on our fundraising mission.

“We have ambitious goals for our summer fundraising appeal, and every donation will help a rescue pet in need.”

Support Adoption For Pets is a charity established by Pets at Home in 2006.

Since then it has helped over 1,000 rehoming centres and animal welfare organisations across the UK.

Customers will be encouraged to donate either at store tills, or via the Support Adoption For Pets website.