DSPCA opens Small Animal & Exotics House to manage rising rescue numbers

The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) today officially launched its new Small Animal and Exotics House at its shelter in Rathfarnham, Dublin. The new facility, a first of its kind in Dublin, was built in direct response to the growing number of small or exotic animals surrendered or rescued by the charity. These include rabbits; guinea pigs; rodents; ferrets; birds and reptiles.

A specialised team will care for the animals with the aim of finding the right individual or family to adopt them into their forever home. The team will also provide expert advice and best-in-class supports to those who adopt the animals, ensuring they learn the correct information for best possible long-term care. Adoptions of these animals have increased by 55.5% in last 12 months alone.

In addition, the new area will be an educational centre for visitors to the shelter allowing them to experience the beauty of these unique animals.

Commenting on the announcement, Caroline Mothersill, Small Animals & Exotics Area Manager, said: “We are delighted to open our new Small Animal and Exotics House here at the Shelter. We brought together a specialised team to manage the project to make sure these special animals can receive the best possible care and are adopted out to their forever home. To ensure this, the team are on hand to educate and support potential adopters around the long-term care and specific needs of these animals. For over 180 years, the DSPCA has been at the forefront of animal welfare, rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming and today is yet another example of this commitment. Such is the need; plans are already underway to look at further enhancements to this new area within the Shelter. I would encourage people to visit the Small Animal and Exotics House and to meet these wonderful animals while experiencing the incredible work that is carried out by our Shelter team of experts and volunteers everyday”.

To support the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or to find out more about the new Small Animal and Exotics House visit www.dspca.ie.