A Hertfordshire animal welfare charity has started rehoming pets - and is looking for homes for six dogs, two cats, two rabbits - and some chickens.

While it is still waiting for the go-ahead to open to visitors, the Hertfordshire branch of the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) has a host of pets desperate to find loving new homes after weeks of lockdown.

The rescue centre, which relies solely on the generosity of the public, has struggled financially during the government lockdown.

It was forced to cancel open days and other vital fundraising events, as well as losing income from its Cottontails Café. Despite this, it has continued to take in emergency cases and look after animals already in its care.

Here are the animals looking for a forever home. Click on links for more information.

Watford Observer:

Hello my name is Fudge and I am six. I am playful and affectionate but can be upset by some things and am particular about who and what I like, so I will need an experienced owner. My ideal home would be quiet, with a nice big garden and quiet country walks. I could live with just one or two adults, who must adore me, and no children, other pets or visitors. I have been in kennels for a few years and find change difficult.

Watford Observer:

Hello my name is Rafiki and I am four years old. I am a handsome chap and with my ear sticking up all the time, I look amazing! I came to the centre as an ex racing greyhound and im now looking for a new start in life. I would love an owner who has lots of time to spend with me and to help me to be less worried about the world.

Watford Observer:

Hello my name is Leo and I am a handsome four-year-old boy. I can be a little bit nervous at first but it will only take me a few moments and a couple of tasty treats for me to warm up to you! I walk nicely on the lead and I like to have cuddles. I’m quite uncomfortable around other dogs so I wouldn’t be able to live with another but I’m training to relax on walks with them. I am looking for a quiet home, with no other pets. I can live with adult or families with children age 14 and over.

Watford Observer:

Hi my name is Ollie and I am beautiful four-year-old girl. I’m a sweet, friendly girl who walks very nicely on the lead and loves going on walks with my canine friends. I’m pretty laidback and like chilling out with the humans having cuddles and head strokes. I am looking for a home with adults or families with children age 10 and over.

Watford Observer:

Hi my name is Remington (Remy for short) and I am a handsome four-year-old boy. I didn’t have a great start in life, I was found as a stray. What I really want more than anything in the world is a home and a family to call my own! My new owner will need to have experience with nervous dogs! I would benefit from living with a calm, laidback dog of a similar size to me to help give me confidence. I am looking for an adult only home where somebody is always in.

Watford Observer:

Hello my name is Audrey and I am two years old. I came to the centre due to a change in circumstances. I am a nervous little lady and need a lot of time, patience and TLC. I am looking for an extra special home with an owner who has a lot of experience with nervous and reactive dogs. It takes me a long time to build up a bond and trust someone, so my new owners will need to do many visits. I am looking for a quiet home with adults only. I would like to be the only pet in the home.

Watford Observer:

Hi my name is Lola (left) and I am a 14-year-old girl. I am friendly and affectionate girl but can be a little bit shy to begin with. I like sitting on laps and love to be groomed. I have beautiful long fur that will need to be brushed daily. I am looking for a home with adults or families with children age 10 and over and I would like to be the only pet in the home. Once I have settled in I will need access to the outdoors so that I can explore.

Watford Observer:

Hi my name is Snowy and I am a handsome one-year-old boy rabbit. I’m a friendly lad, and although I can be quite shy to begin with. I love my food and can be easily won over with some tasty kale or carrot. I am looking for a home with a calm, confident female rabbit to be my companion. I am used to living outdoors in a large hutch with an attached run and an insulated cover. I can live with adults or families with children age 10 and over.

Watford Observer:

Hello my name is Olive and I am a beautiful three-year-old girl. I’m a friendly bunny but I can be nervous at first so I will need a confident owner who is happy to spend lots of time with me. Once I know you I can be very affectionate and enjoy having a fuss. Unfortunately I am unable to live with another rabbit. I don't like being picked up but I do like to be stroked at ground level so I am looking for a home with adults or families with children age 8 and over where the adults will do most of the handling.

Watford Observer:

Hello my name is Frankie and I am an eight-year-old Red Footed Tortoise. I am a friendly girl who loves to explore. I like my food and love to eat out of my activity feeders. Exotic pets like myself need specialised care so I will need an owner who is prepared to provide me with a large enclosure with additional heating and lamps. You are asked to make a minimum donation of £250 .

Watford Observer:

Hi my name is Robin the Rooster and these are my hens Sapphire, RoostPaul, Duck and Queenie and we are looking for a home together. We love spending our days scratching at the ground, eating bugs, playing with our colourful toys and eating tasty snacks. We could come to live with you as our own group or we could join an existing group of hens. We will need a large, secure enclosure with plenty of perches and enrichment to keep us entertained.

Watford Observer:

Their details can all be found at www.nawt.org.uk/centres/hertfordshire.

The NAWT team is grateful for the way the local community has rallied round to show its support. Altogether, people donated more than £3,000 in response to its recent appeal in the Watford Observer. Watford & Three Rivers Trust (W3RT) also helped by giving the rescue centre a supply of dog food.

NAWT Watford centre manager Jackie De Friez said: “We’re overwhelmed by the love and support people have shown us in these desperate times. Every penny goes towards the animals’ care and I’d like to thank everyone who gave donations. We’re so grateful as we know times are tough for everybody right now. All of us here would like to say a massive ‘thank you’.”

“It’s important people know we’re still able to provide this rescue and rehoming service, so animals don’t end up being bought and sold on the internet where there are no checks made. Taking on any animal is a huge responsibility and we urge people to think carefully - a pet is for life, not just for lockdown.”

Visit www.nawt.org.uk/support-us/donate or send a cheque to National Animal Welfare Trust, Tylers Way, Watford, WD25 8WT.

On behalf of all the animals, thank you!