The NSW Government has announced a $12 million investment to fund the construction of a new rehoming centre for Sydney Dogs & Cats Home.

The new facility will significantly expand the shelter’s capacity to care for lost and vulnerable pets, ensuring its continued operation after nearly 80 years of service.

Sydney Dogs & Cats Home, which has rehomed more than 200,000 animals since its founding, was at risk of closure due to a lack of funding. While the former NSW Liberal Government provided the organisation with a peppercorn lease for a new site, it did not allocate any funds for the construction of a new shelter, leaving the future of the home uncertain.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig expressed strong support for the home, stating, “I’m a great supporter of the Sydney Dogs & Cats Home and the wonderful work they do helping to care for and rehome lost and injured pets.”

“When we heard that this Sydney institution was at risk of closure, we knew it had to be saved,” Minister Hoenig added. “Hundreds of thousands of animals have been rehomed thanks to the incredible work of the Sydney Dogs & Cats Home and we’re proud to now be providing them with a new home too.”

The new rehoming facility, located on Crown land in Kurnell, will more than double the shelter’s current capacity and help address the rising number of pets being surrendered or abandoned, often due to cost-of-living pressures. The facility will continue to provide contracted pound services for several Sydney councils, including Inner West, Randwick, Bayside, Georges River, North Sydney, and Waverley.

NSW Public Works will oversee the construction of the shelter, which is expected to be completed by mid-2025. The initial $12 million investment from the government will fund the first stage of the facility, with a second stage planned for future development by Sydney Dogs & Cats Home.

Minister Hoenig also highlighted the broader impact of the new facility: “Our goal is to minimise the number of animals entering pounds and shelters in the first place, but for those that do end up there, we need to give them the best outcomes possible.”

“This new facility will make a huge difference for thousands of animals and for the councils which rely on the Sydney Dogs & Cats Home to provide their pound services,” he said.

The new rehoming centre is part of the NSW Government’s wider commitment to best practices in companion animal management, focusing on responsible reuniting and rehoming efforts. With the government’s support, the Sydney Dogs & Cats Home is set to continue its critical role in animal welfare for many years to come.

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