MATURE moggies and old-aged pooches are looking for animal lovers to give them their ‘forever homes’.

Staff at the Dogs Trust, in Wickhamford and Cats Protection, Worcester, are appealing to residents to give a pet a second chance at life.

Among those looking for a new home is Jake, aged 10, who was brought to Evesham by his owner in March last year, when he had to move back in with his parents.

Supporter relations officer Shauna Stedman said: “We have some fantastic characters amongst our old-age pooches, which we are very fond of and would love to see them live out their final years in the loving homes they deserve.

“Because of their age they are often overlooked and can spend a long time waiting for a new family which can be distressing for them.

“Older dogs are extremely rewarding pets. Unlike a puppy, many are likely to have been housetrained and socialised already and they will probably know a few commands, such as sit or stay, and many just require short walks.”

Meanwhile, Bandit, nine, is one of Cats Protection’s older ladies. She is a little deaf, but that does not stop her from meowing and purring.

Bandit was a stray, living rough, who is now looking for a home where there are no young children or other cats, but she does not seem to mind dogs.

Fran Holder, of Worcester and District Cats Protection, said: “We have a large number of older cats in care and we really need to find them homes as we are getting many calls from people with pregnant cats. We already have 25 kittens.

“A lot of these older cats are quite appreciative of their new homes.”

For more information about adopting from the Dogs Trust, call 01386 830613 or visit dogstrust.org.uk.

Cats Protection can be contacted by calling Joy on 07527 007436 or visit worcestercats.org.uk.