Pets given new Highland centre whilst waiting for new home
Animal lovers in the strath are being invited to come along to the Scottish SPCA's expanded Highlands and Islands Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre to meet the charity's many dogs and cats looking for loving homes.
The £1 million redevelopment in Inverness was funded through donations, including a dedicated local appeal which raised over £100,000.
The centre has a new kennel block accommodating up to 20 dogs, an extended cattery with space for 17 cats and three mother and kitten units.
Centre manager Elaine Floyd said: "We're delighted with our new facilities which will help us care for the unwanted, abandoned and neglected animals which come into our centre.
"This redevelopment was only possible due to the generosity of our supporters and has enabled us to improve the vital service we offer to animals in need in the Highlands and Islands.
"The extended cattery was much-needed as we were regularly operating at full capacity, caring for around 300 cats a year, before the work began.
"It's also very exciting to have the new kennel block up and running after six months without any dogs here.
"Our first doggy residents started arriving this week, transferred to us from some of our other rescue centres.
"We're currently getting to know them and helping them settle in to their new surroundings.
"We're keen to let potential owners know that we have lots of wonderful dogs, cats and other animals here waiting to find homes to call their own.
"Anyone considering rehoming an animal is invited to come along and visit the fantastic pets we have in our care."
The redevelopment was initially due to take place in 2008 and was delayed due to uncertainty surrounding the proposed Inverness bypass link between the A9 and the A96.
"We needed these extra kennel and cattery spaces due to the constant stream of animals arriving in our care and this work couldn't wait any longer," said Elaine.
"While we don't have any certainty on the bypass issue, we have had very positive discussions with Transport Scotland and have been reassured they will work with us once a route has been selected."
The Scottish SPCA's Highlands and Islands Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre is based at Inshes in Inverness.
The centre is open to the public from 10am until 4pm every day.
