A CHARITY which takes family pets into care homes to provide comfort and companionship to residents is appealing for help from Dudley dog owners.

Pets as Therapy regularly organises visits to care homes, day centres, special needs schools and sheltered housing with cats and dogs.

The visits have proven to offer real health benefits to many people of all ages.

The charity, which also takes part in the ‘Read 2 Dogs’ programme, where young children read to dogs in a bid to improve their reading skills, are on the lookout for extra volunteers to take part in their work.

Dog owners who can spare a few hours of their time are being encouraged to apply to become a volunteer. Dogs need to be over nine months old and have been with their owner for at least six months.

All dogs also need to be fully vaccinated and pass a temperament assessment.

For further information visit petsastherapy.org or call the local area coordinator 01384 378590.