A GROUP that cares for other people's pets is looking for more animals to pamper.

Here2Help Pets volunteer Leonie Boyle said the Monash-based program helped the elderly and people with a disability to care for their pets.

Services include walking pets, taking them to vet appointments, bathing and grooming pets or providing short-term foster care.

The group has a waiting list of volunteers, but a shortage of pet owners to help, Ms Boyle said.

"Most of our clients have mobility issues that prevent them from being able to take their dogs out for walks so they really need support from volunteers to exercise their pet.

"The pet owners are often isolated, so the volunteer coming to the house to walk their dog may be the only person they see that week.

"As well as the immediate pet support, we try to take a holistic approach to the pet owners' wellbeing by working with them to identify any other needs they may have in their lives."

Ms Boyle said pets were happier receiving regular walks.

"One pet owner said her little dog knows when the volunteer is coming and he sits and looks out the front window in anticipation of the car pulling up.

"It's a win-win situation, really; the dogs are happy to get out of the house, the pet owner gets some social interaction and the volunteer can keep an

eye on them and make sure they're doing OK."

Details: email here2help@vicnet.net.au