Lotterywest grant to give Dogs' Refuge Home a new leash on life

• $2.3 million Lotterywest grant provided to Dogs' Refuge Home WA
• Support will transform the five-acre property and overhaul facilities
• Project set to improve amenities for both dogs and volunteers

The Dogs' Refuge Home in Shenton Park is embarking on a major redevelopment project that will improve conditions for its furry residents and volunteers.

Supported by a $2,287,440 Lotterywest grant, the upgrades will deliver improved facilities that address the growing demands on the home. The Cook Government is also helping to fund the upgrades through a $50,000 Animal Welfare Grant.

The redevelopment will include:

• a new puppy education and adoption centre, with birthing rooms and accessible community engagement spaces;
• an upgraded adoption meeting yard and lounge, enabling prospective owners to meet dogs in a 'home-like' environment;
• decompression kennels offering a quiet and safe environment for reactive and anxious dogs;
• heritage hub and visitors centre showcasing the organisation's history and achievements over almost 90 years; and
• agility training yard for enriching exercise and behavioural and obedience training.

The upgrades will deliver higher welfare standards, by creating a calm, safe and welcoming space for dogs and puppies as well as their prospective owners.
The redevelopment will adopt best practice dog welfare and handling principles. It will be energy and water efficient, and environmentally sustainable.

In addition, the project will support the health, safety and comfort of volunteers, improving recruitment and retention rates.

The home relies heavily on its dog-loving community who volunteer 365 days a year to deliver vital care for the hundreds of dogs that reside there at any one time.

Comments attributed to Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley:

"Dogs' Refuge Home volunteers and staff do an amazing job caring for and rehoming rescued and surrendered dogs and puppies.

"The team currently cares for more than 1,500 dogs each year, with demand continuing to rise as more dogs are surrendered or rescued due to cost-of-living challenges.

"This significant grant is going to give these dogs the best chance of finding their forever homes.

"The project will also transform the working environment for volunteers, so they can continue the 'pawsome' work they do for the four-legged friends in their care."

Comments attributed Dogs' Refuge Home general manager Robyn Slater:

"We are proud to be frugal at the Dogs' Refuge Home and invest every dollar donated to us back into the dogs.

"We operate at an enormous loss every year so projects like this would simply not be possible without the support of Lotterywest, or those who generously remember us in their wills.

"We are overjoyed to be able to improve our Home for both the dogs and the community of dog lovers that volunteer here every single day, come rain or shine.

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