£1.5 million appeal to help local pets in need

27 August 2008

A major rebuild project to transform The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in West End, Southampton is now underway. The charity has launched a fundraising campaign to raise the £1.5 million needed to upgrade the dated kennels and animal admission facilities and create a new veterinary welfare clinic to help the pets of local owners who cannot afford private vet fees.

The Blue Cross has been helping Southampton’s needy pets since 1911 when it was originally based in Warren Avenue. The current animal adoption centre, which dates back to 1991, finds new homes for hundreds of unwanted or homeless cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs every year and there is a constant demand for its services. The new facilities will help the charity find new homes more quickly for the pets in its care and the new vet clinic will treat thousands of animals every year.

Kellie Brooks, Blue Cross centre manager at Southampton said: “We are really excited that the rebuild project is now underway. Once completed we will be able to care for so many more homeless pets who desperately need our help. The new clinic will also be essential to many local pet owners who cannot afford private vet fees, including many elderly and disabled people whose pet may be their only companion.”

The Blue Cross hopes that local people and businesses will help to raise funds for the major project, through fundraising events and donations.

The new facilities will include:

• A new veterinary welfare clinic and operating theatre to help local pets whose owners are on a low income and help sick pets at the centre quickly get the treatment they need.
• New cat and dog admission facilities to provide a quiet area to assess new animals in order to find them loving new homes.
• A dedicated puppy and kitten block to care for young animals and pregnant dogs and cats.
• A refurbished isolation block to care for pets with infectious diseases or stray animals until they have been checked over by a vet.
• Improved kennels to provide a brighter and quieter environment to help dogs who often find kennels stressful.

Blue Cross veterinary services help pet owners who cannot afford private vet fees. Previously these services have only been available at Blue Cross hospitals but the charity is now introducing veterinary welfare clinics around the country. Owners must be on a means tested benefit, a state pension with no other income or a low wage. The clinic will provide essential preventative care for eligible pets and includes a fully equipped operating theatre for more extensive treatment. Homeless pets staying at The Blue Cross will also benefit from the on-site veterinary care provided in partnership with a local vet practice.

The Blue Cross has appointed local Southampton firm Drew Smith to oversee the £1.5 million project. Drew Smith contracts manager Peter Cooper, who oversaw the original refurbishment of the centre in 1991, will head the rebuild team. Peter has a particular affinity to the charity as during the original building work he adopted a Blue Cross dog called Candy, who was a much-loved member of Peter’s family until she succumbed to old age last year.

As well as improving the environment for the adoption centre’s residents, the rebuild project will also greatly reduce the centre’s carbon pawprint. A ground source heat pump will enable a source of sustainable heat that reduces carbon output.

The building work will be phased to enable the centre to continue taking in and finding new homes for needy pets. The project is due to be completed next Spring.

To help raise funds for the project or to make a donation please contact The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Southampton on 023 8069 2894.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Image of Peter Cooper and Kellie Brooks with Scampi, a homeless dog currently staying at the centre are available, please contact the press office for details.

The Blue Cross does not receive any government funding so it relies on the support of the public to continue its vital work.

Southampton animal adoption centre is based on a boarding kennel site formerly known as Goose Green, and has been there since 1991. Catteries were built thereafter, and the centre now serves communities across Hampshire, rehoming dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. In total, the centre has space for 40 dogs and 60 cats. Please note that volunteers have to be over 16 years of age to work at the centre. Hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year.

To contact the centre please call 023 8069 2894. Opening hours: Monday – Wednesday & Fridays: 11am - 4pm. Sundays and Bank Holidays: 11am – 2pm. Closed on Thursdays.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

www.bluecross.org.uk

Media contact

Louise Lee, 020 7932 4066 or louise.lee@bluecross.org.uk