GIVE a dog a home . . . and 13 cats, four rabbits, five cockatiels, two chinchillas and two mice, too!That's the tall order facing staff at Felixstowe's Blue Cross animal welfare and adoption centre, who have to find foster homes for all their animals for a month.

GIVE a dog a home . . . and 13 cats, four rabbits, five cockatiels, two chinchillas and two mice, too!

That's the tall order facing staff at Felixstowe's Blue Cross animal welfare and adoption centre, who have to find foster homes for all their animals for a month.

While the centre works hard constantly to find homes for the unwanted pets which come into its care, the need to find placements is now a little more desperate – because the centre is having to shut down for vital repair work.

Around £35,000 is to be spent replacing the roofs of the cattery and kennels, but the animals and staff cannot stay on site because the roofs which will be removed contain asbestos.

"It means we must find either permanent or foster homes for all the animals before the work starts on May 12," said centre manager Tom Crowley.

"Although the roofs contain asbestos, they are not dangerous although they could become a problem in the future if they start to crack up. We now have the opportunity though to remove them and put new roofs in place.

"Because of the nature of the work though the staff and animals must leave until it is all complete."

Finding placements for the staff has been easier so far than the animals – one is spending some time with the RSPCA to see how the society operates and another is going to a Blue Cross equine centre for experience.

The animals remaining at the centre in Walton High Street though are posing a problem, and staff are appealing for people to help out.

"We only have one dog left, but several cats, rabbits, cockatiels, chinchillas and mice.

"Unfortunately, the animals we are left with are a bit temperamental and are the ones we have found difficult to home – especially the cats. They will need a bit more care and looking after," said Mr Crowley.

"I am sure though that there are people who would be able to help us, even by providing a temporary home while the work is done."

The new roofs on the cattery and kennels should also improve conditions for the animals, providing more height and more light.

n Anyone able to offer any of the animals either a permanent or temporary home should ring the Blue Cross on 01394 283254 or visit the centre during opening hours, 10am to 12 noon Monday to Saturday, and 2pm to 4pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

WEBLINK: www.bluecross.org.uk