AN animal shelter is fundraising as it plans to open a new shop and office in Basingstoke town centre.

Helping Dogs and Cats is currently based at Hart House on Priestly Road, but it has outgrown its home and is looking for a larger space to move into.

The community interest company runs a foodbank, microchipping service, and second-hand and affordable clothing and household items.

Alongside the shop, the shelter also rescues and rehabilitates dogs and cats in its care.

Founded by Kirsty Wrightson, the company has now been offered premises in a Basingstoke shopping centre and is desperately looking to raise funds to pay six-month rent along with vet bills.

READ MORE: Basingstoke animal shelter on the lookout for new home

A spokesperson said: “We work closely with the community to help keep their animals in their homes by offering dog walking services to those with a disability, people struggling with feeding their animals, but also any other help and advice.

“Helping dogs and cats provides work experience to the younger generations within our rescue.

“We are also opening volunteer roles for those that can only offer a few hours due to their own medical issues.

“We are able to take on a new shop in Basingstoke shopping centre, where we will get a bigger footfall.

“However we need to raise six months rent (£15,000) with vet bills over £2,000 a month. We cannot save for this, but we should cover the rent each month with this footfall. We need you.”

The charity has set up a fundraising page to seek support from the community.

To support visit gofundme.com/f/helping-dogs-and-cats-community-shop

More about Helping Dogs and Cats UK can be found at helpingdogsandcatsuk.org/.