How we treat unwanted pets is a marker for how compassionate we are as a society.

Therefore, the fact that the new Dubbo Regional Animal Shelter is nearing completion, is good news for the Golden West.

The state-of-the-art building to shelter animals in need of re-homing is scheduled to be completed in April and will break new ground in its approach to animal management, Dubbo Mayor Councillor Josh Black said.

“The new animal shelter will provide a much-improved space for dogs and cats, and for our fantastic staff who work to ensure their safety and well-being,” Cr Black said.

“This asset will serve the Dubbo Region and meet the needs of the growing population across the region,” he added

The new facility was designed with animal welfare and staff safety at the forefront, Manager Building Assets Ian Whipple said.

“There are very few modern examples of regional animal-management facilities in NSW, making this project a valuable step forward in learnings and outcomes,” Mr Whipple explained.

“We’ve collaborated closely with our local contractors to develop creative solutions that enhance animal welfare and operational efficiency,” he added.

The new centre is also designed to keep animals housed there and staff healthy and well at all times.

“This includes individual enclosures with independent drainage systems to mitigate disease and infection transmission, as well as a design that makes cleaning and sterilisation extremely easy and efficient,” Mr Whipple said.

The new shelter will feature 101 dog pens and enclosures for 40 cats and has been designed in accordance with council’s sustainable building policy, which includes more energy-efficient practices and the use of renewable energy sources.

This includes EV charging stations, 20kw solar panel systems, rainwater tanks, energy saving fittings, thermal insulation, and natural lighting and ventilation.

Civil works, drainage, structural elements, walls, and linings are now complete. The majority of animal enclosures and internal painting has also been finalised.

Remaining works include external cladding, final fix-out and fit-off, installation of joinery and furnishings, with external landscaping still ongoing. Information technology infrastructure is mostly installed, with commissioning of the building and systems as a final step before completion.

Following the final works, the building will be handed over to animal shelter staff for site orientation and development of updated standard operating procedures customised for the new facility.