For most people, a household pet becomes more than just an animal – they become family.

Here, we’ve profiled 12 adorable pooches in Kent who are desperate to find their forever homes…

Prince, six, mix-breed

Prince is a “sweet” crossbreed who was returned to the rescue due to a decline in his owner’s health.

He is very loyal and protective, and when his owner became unwell he would protect her, becoming very vocal to anyone entering the house.

He is very nervous at the moment and is adjusting to life at the rescue.

While he is good with other dogs, he does not like black dogs, beagles or boxers.

Prince previously lived with a cat.

He is looking for an adult-only home with a patient owner who can help him to build his confidence.

Dudley, five, Rudy, four, and Bren, nine

Bren, Dudley and Rudy are looking for a new home following the death of their owner.

The curly mix-breeds have been very well-loved in the past and are finding kennel life difficult.

They are all very happy and friendly dogs and would ideally be rehomed together – however, Bren could be separated from the others if needed.

All dogs walk well on the lead and are “incredibly cuddly and affectionate”.

Ziggy, two, Labrador cross-breed

Ziggy is an “active” dog who loves playing with toys and exploring new smells on walks.

He was recently returned to the rescue as he struggled to be left alone without upsetting the existing dog at his new home.

He is usually good with other dogs but can be cautious around people and unfamiliar environments.

Ziggy is looking for an adult-only home with an owner who will be around for most of the day and help him to settle.

Blue, two, lurcher

Blue is a sweet lurcher with a “gentle soul” and “a lovely nature” who is looking for his forever home.

He loves the company of other dogs, so would be able to live with others in the house.

However, he will need to go to a cat-free home.

Evie and Bailey, 10 months, dachshunds

Evie and Bailey are an “active and friendly” pair who are full of character.

They are looking to be rehomed together after coming into the care of the rescue through no fault of their own.

Their new owner will need to offer them the chance to socialise with other dogs, and they will need ongoing training.

Evie and Bailey will not be able to live with any cats but could live with children aged eight and over.

Eddie, 10 months, Staffie crossbreed

Eddie is a 10-month-old Staffie crossbreed with “a heart full of love” who is completely deaf.

His new owner will need to be patient and provide training and help him build his confidence.

Eddie will need lots of structure in his life, and he could live with children aged 10 and over - but not with any cats.

Casper, one, French bulldog crossbreed

Casper is a happy dog who loves being outside and going on adventures.

The rescue says he is “a bundle of joy” who has lots of energy and enjoys playing with other dogs.

He can get bored easily due to the amount of energy he has, and benefits from interactive toys and lick mats to keep him entertained.

Casper is looking for an active family home with a secure garden.

His new owner would ideally be home for most of the day, and he could live with another dog that matches his energy levels.

Poppy, four, chihuahua crossbreed

Poppy is an energetic dog who loves going on walks and being outside.

She can be quite nervous at times and will bark at first with strangers – however she loves the people she knows and trusts.

She is a very needy and affectionate lap dog who will need a home where she will not be left alone for too long, as she suffers from slight separation anxiety.

Poppy is looking for a quiet home with no young children, and will need a secure garden where she can run around freely.

Her new owners will need to take her on daily walks, and she will need to be the only pet in the home as she can be quite dominant.

Cleo, nine, husky

Cleo is a nine-year-old husky who was given to the rescue as her owners no longer had time for her.

She is finding life in a kennel environment quite difficult, but is slowly adjusting.

She is a “typical husky” and loves to play with squeaky toys and ropes.

Cleo can be reactive with other dogs, so she will need to be walked with a muzzle.

Ideally, her new owner would have some experience with the breed, as she can be very vocal at times.

She is looking for an adult-only home with a patient and understanding owner, and no other pets.

Are you interested in rehoming a dog?

All of the dogs profiled above are being cared for by Last Chance Animal Rescue at its sites in Edenbridge and New Romney.

Visit www.lastchanceanimalrescue.co.uk for more information, or call 01797 366620.

The RSPCA is currently urging people to adopt bigger dogs, with new data revealing it can take up to seven times longer for some larger breeds to find a new home compared to smaller dogs.

The charity says it has reached a “crisis point” with record numbers of rescued dogs in its care.

RSPCA pet behaviour expert Dr Sam Gaines said: “We urgently need homes for big dogs.

“We are in an unprecedented rehoming crisis as several large-scale cruelty and neglect cases have led to record numbers of dogs and cats in our care and are at risk of running out of space.

“We desperately need adopters now more than ever, so we can continue to rescue and care for the animals who need us.”

RSPCA operations manager Glenn Mayoll added: “We’d really love potential adopters to keep a more open mind when it comes to bigger breeds.

“Bull breeds like mastiffs and bulldogs are often perceived as aggressive, when there’s no evidence that any one breed is more aggressive than another. In fact, like all dogs, some can actually be a bit nervous and fearful - big softies who need owners to help build their confidence.”

RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre is also appealing for fosterers. If you are interested, contact the centre at leybourne@rspca.org.uk