After weeks of wet weather, City of Logan residents won't be surprised to hear it was raining cats and dogs - in the best way - at Logan City Council's Animal Management Centre today.
The welcome mat was rolled out at the upgraded facility as part of a community open day.
Council's $21 million redevelopment of the centre has set a new standard in animal care and disease management, with advanced features to ensure the comfort of cats, dogs and other domestic animals.
Initially funded in 2020, the staged upgrade was also tailored to meet community needs for decades to come.
Mayor Jon Raven said Logan's growing population already includes more than 60,000 registered cats and dogs.
"More people means more furry - and feathered - additions to our city every year. Which is why we need our new and improved Animal Management Centre to keep us ahead of the pack," Cr Raven said.
"The centre provides top-notch care for animals, and has plenty of outdoor and indoor space for people to have a pat or a play with their prospective pet.
"Importantly, we've also upgraded the centre's onsite vet clinic, which provides low-cost desexing and microchipping to help encourage responsible pet ownership across the city."
Residents got to explore the state-of-the-art facilities at today's open day while also meeting some of the animals ready for adoption.
Cat lovers delighted in the centre's multi-level "cat condos" which include a blanket-lined bedroom, an eating area, and an ensuite for a litter tray.
The individually ventilated enclosures, along with the centre's new UV filtration systems, also prevent the transmission of airborne diseases between animals.
Up to 112 cats can now be "roomed" at the centre. Each cat begins its stay in the centre's impound building where health and behavioural checks are carried out.
Animals with microchips or registration tags are returned to their owners wherever possible.
Healthy animals without identification are made available for adoption.
There have also been advancements in canine comfort.
Up to 30 dogs can now be housed in spacious and durable kennels in the facility's Dogs for Adoption building, which includes a large hydrobath and automatic louvres for air flow.
The building is next to two large off-leash areas, and is soundproofed to minimise barking noise.
Other additions to the centre include:
- a dedicated sensory garden where people and pets can connect
- a modern laboratory for mosquito identification
- a native fish breeding area to assist with Council's mosquito control operations
- a new aviary complete with spacious cages for domesticated birds
- large new long stay kennels for dogs undergoing behavioural investigation or awaiting property compliance from their owners
- solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations to help keep the centre's operations clean and green
Council's Animal Management Centre is located at 213 Queens Road, Kingston.
