A Kent-based charity which has been rescuing animals and reuniting them with their owners for more than a decade could fold in months unless it’s thrown a financial lifeline.

Animals Lost and Found, started by two women from their home in Gillingham, is rapidly running out of money as people cancel donations because of the cost of living crisis.

Director Natasha McPhee said they need at least £3,000 a month to run the service and “they simply don’t have enough to keep going”.

Natasha, who runs the charity with her partner Dee Potter, said: “People are ringing up and apologising and saying they can’t afford their direct debits and standing orders any more.

“I say don’t apologise you have to prioritise yourself first.”

The animal rescuer added that she was in touch with similar groups throughout the country and they too were experiencing dire monetary problems.

The 39-year-old said: “It would be very sad, but we just cannot afford the things like insurance and fuel to continue.”

She went on to explain the charity go started when their cat, Blue, went missing.

“Through neighbours, we were told that she was found dead on a road, but when we went to find her, so we could bring her home and say goodbye properly, we couldn't track her down,” she explained.

"We called the council to see if they'd picked up any deceased animals in the area and if they'd chip-checked a cat that belonged to us.

"I was told that at the time they didn't chip check, and that angered us. What's the point of having your animal microchipped if it will only be checked by a vet if they're alive?

“So we began Animals Lost and Found in Kent. We wanted to offer as many services as we could for bereaved pet owners, and those who have animals missing, so they wouldn't have to feel like we did when we lost Blue."

Thanks to Natasha and Dee's hard work, the charity offers animal and human first aid, pregnancy scanning for animals in their care, pet bereavement counselling, microchipping, veterinary treatment and much more.

The women work tirelessly, with the support of a small number of dedicated animal welfare officers, to help the animals of Kent at their most vulnerable times, be it missing from home, involved in an accident, stolen or needing a new home.

Natasha said: "After two years, Animals Lost and Found in Kent finally became a registered charity.

"We have 15 volunteers across the county and more than 30,000 people on our Facebook page.

"We've worked with animal welfare, the Fox Project - a charity dedicated to the red fox - Kent Wildlife and most rescues in Kent.

"Animals Lost and Found in Kent helps all animals from chickens to cats and dogs. One time we had the police call us up and say they had a pig at the station!

"I thought they were joking at first but we went along and rescued the pig. We never know what we're going to face."

To find out more on how you can help or donate visit the Facebook page Animals Lost and Found in Kent Ltd, or the website at animalslostandfoundinkent.co.uk