Two caring sisters from Kent have turned into a real-life pair of Dr Doolittles.

Tiffany Sutton, 34, and her sister Sarah Briscombe, 37, from Dover have rescued numerous animals, from helping a fox cub injured in a fall to transporting injured swans to safety.

After realising how much they loved caring for animals, both joined up as Animal Rescue Volunteers for the RSPCA, responding to emergency calls about animals in need.

The two dedicated volunteers have even spent a Christmas providing vital care for an abandoned dog, highlighting the lifesaving work of the RSPCA during the festive season.

Tiffany, a civil servant and mother-of-two was called out to help three days before Christmas last year after a dog was left alone in a flat when its owner was sent to prison.

Determined to help, she sprang into action - and talked to the unfortunate hound, like Dr Doolittle, to soothe him.

“I volunteered to feed the dog until we could rescue him,” she explained.

“I visited every day, morning and evening, to feed him and pass water through the letterbox. At first, he was very nervous, barking at me through the letterbox.

But over time, he got used to me sitting outside, chatting to him while he enjoyed his treats.”

On Christmas Day, Tiffany brought the dog a festive meal and new toys.

“I like to think I brought him some joy that day,” she said.

Her sister Sarah, also an RSPCA volunteer, joined the effort, ensuring the dog received care and company until RSPCA officers and local police could arrange his rescue on December 27.

Sarah described the experience as “very emotional,” adding, “Between us, we ensured he was fed, hydrated, and comforted daily.”

Tiffany began volunteering with the RSPCA as a Wildlife Casualty Volunteer before transitioning to Animal Rescue. Over the years, she has tackled numerous challenging rescues, including working with Network Rail to save a gull stranded on the tracks and assisting marine rescuers with a seal pup.

Sarah, a civil servant and mother-of-one, joined her sister three years ago after frequently encountering animals in need.

“I’ve always been drawn to helping wildlife,” Sarah said.

“My sister and I were already well-known locally for assisting animals, so it felt natural to formalise our efforts through the RSPCA.”

Despite the challenges, both women find the work incredibly rewarding.

“Helping animals is our passion,” said Tiffany.

The RSPCA’s Join the Christmas Rescue campaign aims to raise vital funds to support its work during the festive season. Every year, the charity responds to over 25,000 reports of animal suffering over Christmas, with more than 700 calls received on Christmas Day alone.

The charity is urging the public to donate to help provide urgent care, shelter, and veterinary treatment for animals in need.

Together, with the help of volunteers like Tiffany and Sarah, the RSPCA works tirelessly to ensure that no animal is left to suffer during the festive period.

To donate or learn more about the campaign, visit the RSPCA’s website and help make this Christmas one to remember for animals in need.