The Scottish SPCA are to partially reopen their animal rescue and rehoming centres to the public after closing their doors in March 2020 due to the pandemic.
On 17 May our nine centres will move from being completely closed to the public to allowing people in on an appointment only basis.
While online rehoming will remain the default, we will now allow those without internet access or who are unable to complete the application form online to telephone the centre on 03000 999 999 to arrange an appointment. This appointment will allow members of the public to view suitable animals via a tablet at the centre and get assistance from staff to complete the online application form if needed.
Between March and December 2020 the number of animals we rehomed fell by around 31% compared to the same period in 2019. It’s hoped that this partial reopening will make it easier for long-term residents to find their forever home.
Deputy head of field operations, Graeme Innes, said, “We’re delighted to start welcoming people back to our centres.
“We really hope these telephone appointments for rehoming will make the centre more accessible for everyone and help more animals find their forever home.
“Sadly, we have some animals who have been in our care for months or even years and for some reason they just keep being overlooked.
“Reptiles can be some of the hardest animals to rehome as they often require specialised care and often people don’t realise that we care for and rehome animals other than cats and dogs.
“Winnie the carpet python is one such snake who has now unfortunately been with us for 882 days after she was found in an abandoned property in Kilwinning.
“At almost seven feet, we knew Winnie might be tricky to rehome but we never thought she’d be with us for this long. Due to her size Winnie’s new owner will need to ensure they have adequate space for a very large vivarium but we think that Winnie would make an exciting addition for any large snake enthusiast.
“Rabbits are another animal who often come in to our care as people don’t always realise how much care and attention they need.
“D’Artagnan has been with our Edinburgh centre for 364 days now and is looking for a new forever home. When he arrived he was a nervous, poorly handled and under socialised rabbit. He can be a little bit over protective of his own space and will have a little grumble to let you know when he is not a happy bunny. We think that being in an environment surrounded by other rabbits has not helped this and we’d love to see him settled with an experienced owner.
“Of course we still have lots of dogs and cats who are also looking for homes. Kilo the American bulldog cross has been in our care for 598 days and is currently at the Aberdeenshire centre.
“He’s got lots of energy so he’s looking for a home where he’s the only animal with a secure garden where he can play with his toys to his heart’s content.
“Kilo is a lovely boy and he’d make a brilliant canine companion for an active owner who has time to continue his training and take him on lots of adventures!
We’re hoping now that we’re opening up the centre a bit more and travel restrictions have eased we can find the right person for these animals. We’d like nothing more than to finally see them in forever homes where they can get the stability and love they deserve.”
All nine of our animal rescue and rehoming centres will be open for appointments from 1pm until 3.30pm, Friday to Monday from 17 May. Anyone wishing to donate items can drop these off at the designated donation point at any time without an appointment.
If anyone wishes to rehome an animal, we ask that they do not attend the centre without an appointment. Appointments can be made by calling the centre directly on 03000 999 999, option two.
Alternatively, all available animals can be viewed and applied for online here.
If anyone is concerned about an animal, please do not hesitate to contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999. We need your support today. From as little as £1, you can save lives. Please support the Scottish SPCA today.
