Helping our furry friends find their forever homes

• Have you always been an animal lover?

I have always had pets. I got my first dog to train for dog agility when I was a teenager. I studied animal behaviour at university and then started working in animal welfare. I moved to Mount Noddy a couple of years ago.

• How does Mount Noddy operate?

We come under the umbrella of the RSPCA, but we are independently run and are self-funding. Most of our income is generated by our five charity shops – Horsham, Worthing, Bognor, Chichester and Littlehampton. We are a dog and cat rehoming centre and last year we rehomed 285 animals. It’s a large operation with a team of dedicated animal care staff. All animals are vet checked, microchipped, neutered and assessed by animal behaviourist before they leave us.

• How can people support your work?

By donating food, toys and blankets for the animals, or buying something from our Amazon wish list. Our charity shops had to close in March, but the Centre had to keep going throughout lockdown. All our fundraising events have been cancelled due to coronavirus too, including our annual dog show which is our flagship fundraiser. It costs £500,000 a year to run the branch, so monetary donations are especially helpful.

• Can people foster an animal?

Yes! Fostering frees a space in a rescue centre until a forever home comes along for an animal. You can also volunteer as a dog walker.

• Why are animals brought to you?

Many come as a result of a change in the owner’s circumstances – an owner has passed away, someone has lost their job or their home, for example. It is kitten season at the moment, so we currently have a lot of pregnant cats and kittens.

• What is the adoption process?

Look on our Facebook page or website and fill out a ‘perfect match’ form. Every single animal is assessed as an individual, so get in touch whatever type of home you have. There’s no fixed criteria, but remember that an animal is a big commitment. In the photo is Toyah, one of our long-stay dogs, who is looking for a forever home.

• Do you get attached to the ‘animals?

I have a dog and a cat that I fostered but couldn’t part with!

• What advice can you offer people looking for puppies?

Always use a reputable breeder. If you want a particular breed, do proper research; talk to people who have had that breed, don’t just look on the internet. If you can’t see the puppy with its mum and other puppies then that should sound a warning alarm. Puppy farms are still happening.

• How do you enjoy your free time?

I take my dog to training classes. I love hiking too, which is very dog friendly. I’m an animal person in and out of work.

• Where can we find more details?

Find us on Facebook, and we have a new website coming soon. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/mountnoddy-animalcentre or www.rspca.org.uk/local/sussex-chichester-and-district-branch