The Southampton branch of the Blue Cross pet charity has offered its gratitude to its volunteer pet foster carers during Volunteers’ Week (3-9 June).

The organization is acknowledging the work of its devoted volunteers responsible for providing care for homeless and needy pets until they find new homes.

They care for various domestic animals, from smaller ones like degus and chinchillas to dogs, cats, and even horses, in their own homes. The charity is also raising awareness within the local community about volunteer opportunities.

Blue Cross aims to rehome 10,000 pets each year by 2026, and as such, to reach its ambitious goal, it needs additional local animal lovers to become voluntary foster carers.

Tracey Lofting, a local resident, has been volunteering for Blue Cross in Southampton by fostering pets for over a decade. Her contributions have varied from pet fostering, dog walking, fundraising, to even operating as an animal taxi driver.

Ms Lofting’s immense dedication has even inspired her parents to start fostering pets.

Tracey said: "Dogs are my happy place! I work full time so me having a dog was completely out of the question. I walked into the Blue Cross reception one day and saw the receptionists working with a litter of puppies running round their feet, and I knew that this was where I wanted to spend my spare time.

"I love being part of a pet's journey through their training, exercise and socialisation, seeing the progress they make, all through to when they get successfully rehomed with their perfect humans.

"I couldn’t think of a better thing to do or place to be on my days off. I’m never happier than when I’m wandering round the fields, slightly damp and muddy, with a content canine at the end of a lead."

Blue Cross requests assistance from animal lovers to continue its work in various ways, from financial donations, and fundraising, to volunteering at pet food banks, or supporting campaigns for better pet welfare.

For more information about becoming a volunteer foster carer, visit www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-fostering or get in touch with the Southampton centre on 0300 777 1847 or via email at southampton@bluecross.org.uk.