One of the country’s first animal rehoming centres is due to extend its opening hours into the evening for the first time following a mass renovation project.
The National Animal Welfare Trust centre in Tylers Way encourages people to come and interact with the animals as it “enriches their time and mentally stimulates them”.
Starting on March 29, the centre, which has room for 200 cats and dogs but also looks after rabbits and guinea pigs, will open on Wednesday evenings between 4pm and 7pm for a five-week trial period.
If the trial is successful, the centre will take advantage of the warmer weather to operate extended opening hours every Wednesday for the next six months.
“It’s really new for us so we’re encouraging people to come down and see us,” said centre manager Jackie De Friez.
“We said we wanted to open late but couldn’t offer our workers any more money. And do you know what? Every single one said they would do it.
“No-one does this job for the snazzy uniform and the wages. You do it because you care.”
One-eyed Max is an affectionate soul
Funded by a £3,000 donation from a spiritualist group, the centre’s refurbishment includes new licks of paint for the animal enrichment areas, and a fully renovated maternity unit for newborn pups and kittens. The finishing touches are due to be applied in the coming days.
The centre was the first in the country to operate an “Open Paw” programme for cats, whereby visitors can come in to interact with them, feed them treats, and generally show them some affection.
“We believe every animal has an owner – you just need to find them. We promote responsible pet ownership so we do home checks, follow-up visits,” said Jackie.
“For the rest of the animal’s life, we are there for support. The aim is to take as many animals as we can and find good, loving homes for them.”
The centre is heavily reliant on donations and volunteers, and Jackie estimates there are two volunteers for every member of paid staff at the centre.
“We rely on people’s generosity. Without it, we wouldn’t survive,” she added.
A charity shop in Watford helps the centre raise additional funds, and gifted furniture is put to good use in the animal enclosures.
An open day will be held at the centre on May 1 with a dog agility show and 30 stalls on offer.
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