LOCAL LIFE
MAKE A DIFFERENCE : Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre
Blacktown ’ s new animal rehoming centre is a first rate stopover for animals looking for a forever home . Photo : Sam Crawford Architects .
by Lorna Gordon
Blacktown City has outdone itself with its new animal rehoming centre , gone are the days of dark holding cages for the animals , they now stay in comfortable conditions and the cats get a life of luxury in their fancy cat ‘ condo ’ s ’ where there is room for them to play or simply stretch out .
The new facilities have been designed to be a world class centre for the animals while they await their forever homes , and it can hold 135 dogs and 230 cats as well as having the capacity to look after rabbits , guinea pigs and even livestock with a chook run and space for goats , cows and sheep . There is plenty of room for the dogs to have a run about , either with other dogs or on their own , and for the staff to assess them for any potential behavioural issues that will get extra attention .
As well as the homes for the animals , the centre has a state of the art vet clinic to ensure all residents are in good health and provide treatment for any animal which needs a little more TLC . This clinic has a double use as the rehoming centre has paired up with Sydney University , Western Sydney University and Richmond TAFE to provide training for vets and vet nurses with the practical side of their courses .
When you arrive at BARC , the staff are on hand to help you to find a pet that will suit your household , almost like a pet dating service , taking into account who lives with you , when you are working or at home or how much exercise the animal might need to ensure you and your new family member are the best match possible .
If you decide to adopt a pet from them you can be assured that the animal will be in good health and in the case of dogs , has been assessed and trained if it needs a bit of help with its manners . As well as having a first class pet for your family , the adoption fee covers the new addition being vaccinated , desexed , microchipped and permanently registered . Adoption fees vary for the different animals , but the concierge at the reception area can help you with that information once you have had a look around at the animals who are waiting for their new homes .
You can find BARC at 20 Owen Street , Glendenning , the facility is open Monday to Friday from 8.30 until 4.30 and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 until 1pm . They also have a fantastic Facebook page ( www . facebook . com / BARCBlacktown ) and website where you can see some of the animals who are currently living there until they find new homes . They will be holding events at the centre where rehoming fees will be reduced , so be sure to like the pages so that you are kept in the loop for when open days or special occasions are happening .
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 28 // JULY 2023 11