BATTERSEA Dogs & Cats Home is looking for volunteers in Hillingdon to help teach the community the best ways to look after their pets.

It wants to increase the number of volunteers in Hillingdon, as part of a citywide drive to reduce the number of stray and abandoned cats and dogs across London.

It believes pet owners should be aware of their responsibilities and that it's helpful for children to know how to approach dogs they do not know.

Battersea has a team of volunteers who visit schools, young offenders' institutions and other organisations to raise awareness of safety around dogs.

They believe that speaking with groups and schools and educating people about responsible pet ownership will help reduce the number of stray and abandoned animals.

Operations manager Carly Whyborn said: “Battersea volunteers really help to make a change to the way in which individuals approach pet ownership.”

For more information on becoming a community engagement volunteer, visit www.battersea.org.uk/volunteer