The Scottish SPCA's Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre will partially re-open to the public next week.
On May 17, the Hamilton centre will allow people in on an appointment only basis, after closing their doors due to the pandemic back in March 2020.
While online rehoming will remain the default, the Society will now offer appointments to 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 rehomed by the Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre fell by around 33 per cent compared to the same period in 2019. It’s hoped that this partial reopening will make it easier for long-term residents like Winnie the carpet python to find their forever home.
Manager of the centre, Gillian Boyle, told Lanarkshire Live: "We’re delighted to start welcoming people back to our centre.
"We really hope these telephone appointments for rehoming will make the centre more accessible for everyone and help animals like Winnie find their forever home.
"Winnie is our longest resident and has sadly been with us for 881 days. She came to us after she was found in an abandoned property so we’d love to see her go to a new home where she’s loved and cared for the way she should be.
"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.
"We think that Winnie would make an exciting addition for a large snake enthusiast. 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 her."
All nine of the Scottish SPCA’s animal rescue and rehoming centres will be open for appointments from 1pm until 3.30pm, Friday to Monday from May 17. Anyone wishing to donate items can drop these off at the designated donation point at any time 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 at: https://www.scottishspca.org/rehome/rehome
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
