Tara Murray
Lort Smith’s new facility in Campbellfield is a step closer following a $150,000 grant from the state government.
The animal care and welfare organisation has been fundraising to build a second community veterinary clinic in Campbellfield due to a demand for services.
The state government last month allocated $150,000 to help build the new facility which will provide low-cost veterinary services, improved adoption centre facilities, more support for pet carers in crisis and help to reduce pet surrenders through behavioural support.
It will also have an off-lead dog park, helping to bring a community of animal lovers together.
Lort Smith chief executive Fiona Webster said the facility would help provide quality care for animals.
“This grant from the Victorian government will help establish Lort Smit’s second site to serve more Victorians and their animals by providing quality care to people living in Melbourne’s suburbs,” she said.
“Our view is that every animal deserves to have a healthy life and to be loved and cared for.
“At Lort Smith we aspire to provide animal healthcare and wellbeing that is world-class – regardless of the financial circumstances of the pet’s carer”.
In October, Lort Smith ran its inaugural ‘Paw It Forward’ Giving Day as part of its ongoing campaign to raise much needed funds for the Campbellfield site.
Ms Webster said they needed to expand to keep up with the demand.
“Lort Smith has reached a critical point in its operations.
“The demand for our services continues to grow and our current physical facilities are pushed to their limits.
“We urgently need to enhance and expand our facilities and services to ensure Lort Smith can continue to help animals and their carers, as well as the vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our community.”
Tara Murray
