AFTER a decade of hard work and fundraising the new £2.5 million Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home in Cambridge has officially opened its doors.

In 2007, RSPCA South Cotswolds bought the six-acre site on Beechmeadow Farm in Elmcote Lane, with the first animals moving in last September.

But now the centre, as of Thursday, July 6, is fully operational.

At full capacity the 24/7 home can take care of 36 cats and 27 dogs, with staff on site to provide care from 8am until 8pm.

Chair of trustees at Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home, Carolyn Blackburn, said: “Our aim is to change perceptions of animals in shelter environments, we’re aiming to make it feel a lot more positive.

“We want to strive to push the boundaries of animal welfare and we aim to take in as many animals as we can and make sure that they are rehomed conscientiously.

“We also hope to work with the community to expand our services, this could include training animals and people, inviting school pupils to the centre and engaging people locally.

“Eventually we would like to expand our facilities here, but the first thing is getting this centre running, and we hope everyone will get involved.

Carolyn stated that often shelters have a great staff setup with poor facilities or great facilities but not the right mix of staff – she hopes the new home offers the best of both, with 20 staff members raring to get started.

The state-of-the art facilities divide dogs and cats into smaller blocks than usual – for instance five dogs to a block – to improve the mental health of the residents, with further isolation areas for animals which need extra care.

Surrounding the ring of open-air dog blocks are large enclosed areas for dogs to run around and if they so choose, dig or splash in paddling pools to cool off.

The centre staff will care for animals which are abused, neglected or abandoned and once they are brought back to full health, find them a suitable new home.

Two members of staff spoke to the Gazette about their excitement at the official opening.

Kate Sims said: “It’s great to see people come to the centre, and for them to see everything that we are doing here, it’s exciting.”

Amy Souster said: “It’s good to let the public in and see what we do each day, and to help educate them about animal welfare.”

For more information visit cdch.org.uk, call 01453 890014 or email info@cdch.org.uk