A new facility to care for and rehome animals in Central Otago has opened near Alexandra. 

The Animal Rehab Centre, otherwise known as ARC, will operate from the former SPCA facility on Blackman Rd which closed late last year when the SPCA reduced its activities in the region.

The facility has been extensively refurbished and will operate in conjunction with the Central Otago Feline Lodge.

ARC, which is a not-for-profit incorporated society, will rehabilitate unwanted, neglected or discarded animals by providing a safe and secure shelter, expert care and veterinary treatment before adoption.

ARC will try to assist all animals in need but at this early stage, it can only do what it can afford but planning is underway to raise funds to extend its capacity.

The Animal Rehab Centre (ARC) will help rehabilitate and rehome animals and will work out of the former SPCA facility on Blackman Rd.

Shirlene Steel, who heads ARC, said there is no point rescuing animals unless they are restored to health or normal life which can be only achieved through training and therapy.

“You need experience and knowledge to rehabilitate animals before they can be adopted into their new, forever homes,” she said.

See more at Adopt a pet in your Wanaka App

“More than 90 percent of rescued animals need rehabilitation to get them back on track and that’s what we’ll be doing”.

ARC has a board of 15 volunteers who want to work within the community by promoting animal welfare practices, raising funds, and building a team of volunteers to help.

ARC will begin operating over the next week. 

“We are also committed to working with schools and other community organisations by offering animal welfare education programmes”, Shirlene said.

“They’ll be able to visit ARC and take part in the only hands-on programme in Central Otago with animals we are working with.”

If you can help ARC, please contact [email protected]

Photos Rowan Schindler