UK's first 'transportable' rehoming centre set to open
Should demand change, the rehoming centre's internal structure can be relocated to another urban area. (file photo)
Cats Protection is taking an innovative approach to rehoming with the UK's first 'transportable' rehoming centre, which will allow the charity to respond to changing demands and target the areas most in need of help.
The first of these flexible rehoming centres is due to open in Mitcham, south-west London and the model will be rolled out to other locations in the next five years.
"We did comprehensive research to determine where demand for a centre is at its highest and Mitcham, along with neighbouring areas, fits the bill," explained Guy Chadwick, development manager for the charity's eastern England centres.
Should demand in the area drop at a later date, the centre's internal structure can be relocated to another area.
“We want to make sure as many urban cats as possible can find new, loving homes and have adapted our building programme accordingly," Mr Chadwick added.
"London is diverse and ever-evolving and our aim is to react to change and go to areas where our help is needed the most - and do this as efficiently as we can."
As well as allowing the charity to adapt to demand, the innovative project has saved hundreds of thousands of pounds, costing just a fifth of the price of building a regular rehoming centre.
It is formed of a series of modular units that will house modern, spacious pens. The units are being built off-site and will be transported and slotted in to the 7,500 square foot site in Mitcham this summer.
Due to open to the public in July, the centre hopes to rehome 50 cats a month.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
