After a period of local lockdowns and a two-week firebreak - rehoming in RSPCA animal centres across Wales has faced a few challenges.

Local lockdowns meant rehoming was temporarily only allowed to those within the centre’s county - reducing the numbers of adoptees coming forward.

However, RSPCA rescuers across Wales have continued to deal with incidents of cruelty and neglect - which means more animals have come into the care of the animal welfare charity.

As the ‘Adoptober’ rehoming campaign was paused in Wales due to the firebreak - the RSPCA are now turning to ‘Rehome-ber for November’.

Although the animal centres remain closed for the walk-in public, there will now be an opportunity for rehoming appointments.

Virtual rehoming and animals delivered by RSPCA critical workers will continue - but there will be exceptions made for certain rehoming appointments and pre-arranged collection of animals.

RSPCA operations manager Coralie Farren said: “We are really pleased to be able to move further forward with rehoming in our animal centres as we come out of the firebreak lockdown.

“Although we continue to rehome virtually as much as possible, we are now able to welcome back visitors for rehoming purposes via appointment on a case-by-case basis.

“We will of course be maintaining all the required Covid regulations and each visit will be carefully managed by our dedicated staff on site.

“We have so many animals looking for their forever home - who may have been waiting that little bit longer due to restrictions.

“If you are interested in adopting a pet you can visit our Find A Pet website to find out more information about the wonderful pets looking for their second chance of happiness and for more details about the adoption process.

“We’re sadly not able to accept those travelling from England to our centres due to the Covid restrictions - but please still submit a Perfect Match application form if you are interested to adopt as animals may be able to be delivered to new owners in a Covid-compliant manner by RSPCA staff.”

Many people have found they now have more time on their hands during the lockdowns and amid other Covid-related restrictions, so it is unsurprising that many have sought a pet to keep them company.

However, RSPCA Cymru continues to urge anyone thinking of getting a pet to consider whether they can care for them in the long-term – and not just for a pandemic.

Staff at RSPCA centres will provide all the information and guidance on what it takes to care for a rescue pet - with the charity advising adoptees making sure they have the time, money and resources to care for the pet for the rest of their lives.

Donating £50 could help feed all the rescued animals in one of the RSPCA centres for a day.

This winter, the RSPCA expects to rescue thousands of animals from neglect, cruelty and suffering.

To help rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them, visit www.rspca.org.uk/xmas and Join the Christmas Rescue #JoinTheRescue.