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Battersea launches new community in Ashford to help more dogs and cats

Residents of Ashford can now volunteer to help Battersea dogs and cats in need of a home, as the much-loved animal charity launches its second Community within the Kent town.

Following on from its successful first Community scheme in Guildford, Battersea has carefully selected Ashford as its second location. Approximately 30 miles away from Battersea’s Brands Hatch Centre, the charity hopes to rehome many more animals in the area through Community Rehoming Volunteers (CRVs), who will be recruited to care for animals temporarily while taking an active role in finding them a permanent home. Battersea Communities are supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Emma Harrison, Battersea Communities manager, said: "We know this has been a difficult year for so many but we want to start looking to the future. Our ultimate goal at Battersea is to help as many dogs and cats as possible. We hope to rehome many more animals in Ashford through our new Community and reach more potential owners.

“Once established, we hope to have 10 Community Rehoming Volunteers per community, who can all help us spread the message that rescue is best.”
Battersea is currently looking for applicants that ideally live in the postcodes TN23-30 and do not have young children or other pets at home. Applicants need access to a car in case the animal they are looking after needs veterinary attention, and should be able to commit to looking after each dog or cat for a few weeks or, potentially, a couple of months.

All volunteers will receive ongoing support and behavioural training. In addition, Battersea will provide everything needed to look after one of our animals including food, equipment and any necessary veterinary treatment.

For Ashford residents that are unable to take an animal into their home but still want to help, Battersea is also looking to recruit animal lovers who live locally and are able to offer some of their time to support and promote Battersea at community events.
For full details and to get involved, visit battersea.org.uk/communities

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