The air-conditioned and ventilated cattery can accommodate up to 112 cats including 32 that are ready for adoption.

Impounded cats will be kept in individual multi-level pens adjacent to a fully enclosed large outdoor area and there will be a priority focus on disease management and animal welfare.

The upgrade also features a new cat sales area where those interested in adopting a pet can interact with cats before making their choice.

Dogs ready for adoption have been temporarily moved into new larger pens, complete with access to a fully grassed individual outdoor yard while the new dog adoption centre is under construction.

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power, who has been a strong supporter of the AMC upgrade, said the new facilities would be welcomed by the public.

“Our city is home to more than 60,000 registered cats and dogs and this new facility provides our teams an improved work location to operate from to deliver a responsive community-focused animal management program to uphold public safety,” Councillor Power said. 

“People often ask me what their pet registration fees are used for. The answer is these world-class facilities which will serve us for decades to come.”

The facility includes a modern laboratory for mosquito identification and an extended native fish breeding area to complement Council’s proactive mosquito surveillance and treatment operations.

Cr Power said the redevelopment of the 2.5ha site had been undertaken in an environmentally conscious way, particularly given the proximity to the Scrubby Creek catchment.

Water harvesting systems, solar power panels and electric vehicle charging stations have been incorporated into the building design.

Cr Power, who toured the new buildings last week, praised the commitment of Council’s AMC staff, many of whom have spent years working in ageing and outdated facilities.

“There is an impressive and clear-to-see culture among the Council officers who genuinely care for every animal that comes into the AMC. I am delighted for them as well to be moving into new top-class facilities,” Cr Power said.

“The AMC dates to the 1980s and this welcomed redevelopment will ensure officers are able to provide quality care for animals as we continue to meet the needs of a growing city.”

Once completed, the $21.4 million three-stage redevelopment will also include:

• An expanded and modernised community veterinary clinic
• Enhanced experience areas for those wanting to adopt a pet
• A new sensory garden for those to engage with prospective pets.

Council last year adopted its new Animal Management Plan which serves as a roadmap for the delivery of animal management services to the public, strengthening Council’s focus on public safety and liveability when it comes to animals in the community.

With works continuing on the remaining stages of the redevelopment, temporary access will be in place to the new facility.