Christchurch's SPCA urgently needs more foster parents this Christmas as the agency looks to house animals during the busy holiday period.
The shelter is currently looking for volunteers to help bottle-feed newborn kittens and to take in older rescue dogs, Stuff reports.
SPCA Christchurch currently has 366 animals under their care, 212 of which are currently in foster homes - up from 142 animals at the same time last year.
SPCA southern region general manager Barry Helem told Stuff it was challenging to find foster families which match the animals' "specific needs".
"Only around 60 per cent of our foster parents will be available at one time, and only a handful will be suitable to a particular case.
"Some animals require a home with no young children, no other dogs or pets, people with previous dog experience, and are at home more often than an 8-5 job."
Foster care can last between two and six weeks, with food and other necessities supplied by the shelter.
SHARE ME