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Shelter redevelopment

The RSPCA is committed to developing state of the art shelters across Victoria. We recognise that a shelter environment can be very stressful for animals so we aim to create facilities that will allow us to provide an exceptional level of care, while reducing out impact on the environment.

Thanks to extremely generous bequests, we have been able to develop some outstanding facilities in recent years and we have exciting times ahead as new works and future developments begin.

In 2006 the redeveloped RSPCA Portland Shelter was opened and in 2007, stage one of the animal shelter at Burwood East welcomed its first four legged visitor. This year we are proud to say the Bendigo Shelter Redevelopment is now complete for all our furry friends to enjoy.

We are moving forward with stage two of the master plan for Burwood East  and future plans to develop a new shelter in Whittlesea are also well underway.

RSPCA Bendigo redevelopment

RSPCA Bendigo is pleased to announce that works on the new shelter have been completed, and this new facility was officially opened to the public by RSPCA Victoria President Dr. Hugh Wirth AM KSJ, and RSPCA Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Maria Mercurio, on 17 July.

The site development provides new shelter facilities for dogs and cats as well as an upgraded food preparation area, veterinary treatment area and customer service area. Cats are now housed in buildings that are temperature controlled and enclosed, protecting them from the elements, whilst new dog adoption kennels face north, optimising natural light and creating a more enriching environment.


Additional exercise areas for the animals have been created. These areas allow animals to stretch their legs as well as provide the community with a relaxed space to spend time with animals they are considering adopting.

Design of the shelter environment encompasses improved infrastructure. Facilities use less energy and water by maximising natural light and ventilation and the introduction of water collection and recycling systems. Considerable effort has been made overall to implement an ecologically sustainable design that is both innovative and educational.

In addition, a stock holding area has been established on the rear of the site to complement our facilities at Pearcedale and to better equip RSPCA Victoria to care for livestock.

RSPCA Bendigo would like to thank staff, volunteers, local businesses and the community for their tireless efforts. Special thanks must also go to Bunnings Warehouse for donating supplies used within the landscaping of the shelter.

If you are located near Bendigo or are travelling through, make sure you come and check out the new shelter.

Help the RSPCA to care for animals in need by sponsoring RSPCA Bendigo.
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