These numbers could be greatly increased with more foster carers.

Currently the shelter is knocking back both cats and dogs as they cannot place them.

President Penny Stemp has been involved with the rescue group for the past six years and in that time she has fostered a more than 700 cats.

All but three of those cats went on to find their forever homes.

Three of the cats she fell in love with and adopted herself.

While many people might balk at fostering due to the risk of falling in love with the animal Penny encourages people to open their hearts and homes to foster animals.

"When you know what the alternative is it's a bit of a silly excuse, just man up and take a little bit of personal discomfort to save a life," she said.

"You do get attached but you know they're going to a better life."

Horsham Paws is focused on cats and dogs and has been in operation since 2010.

Currently a difficulty in attracting more volunteers is the only thing holding the group back from increasing numbers.

There are also a group of volunteers working in the Horsham Paws shop which funds the group.

Horsham Paws president Penny Stemp has fostered more than 700 cats since in the past six years.

"Volunteers come in all different shapes and sizes," Penny said.

If you can't foster or donate you can get involved with the fundraising side to help raise much-needed funds for vet fees, food and other essential items.

"We have such a small team and so many of the foster carers end up fundraising.

"It would be nice if we had some people dedicated to doing fundraising."

With kitten season fast approaching the need for kitten food is increasing with this year expected to be especially bad.

Changes to legislation meaning no pets can be advertised without a microchip and source number is expected to result in more kittens being dumped or surrendered.

"We're expecting to see an increase in the surrender rate and dump rate in the short term before the change starts making a difference in the long term," Penny said.

"The average person whose cat gets pregnant may not be able to pay to have all the kittens microchipped."

Like every rescue group Horsham Paws encourages all pet owners to desex their pets.

Donate

Donate money, cat or dog food, toys, leads, collars, kitty litter and other items that can be used for cats or dogs.

Before buying food or other items get in touch with Horsham Paws to ensure you buy the brand of food they need.

Bank details

BSB: 633 000

Acc Number: 140777335

Acc Name: Horsham PAWS

All donations are fully tax deductible.

Foster

Help save a life by becoming a foster carer. The more foster carers available the more animals can be rescued.

Contact Horsham Paws on their Facebook page or via the website for more information.

Website: https://www.horshampaws.com.au/

Facebook: Horsham Paws.