Over 800 cats and dogs rehomed at The Blue Cross one year after Wherstead move

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. Bobby enjoying the winter sun. (Image: Archant)

A year has passed since The Blue Cross moved into its new £3.5 million home in Wherstead, near Ipswich.

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. Victoria Nesling with Bobby. (Image: Archant)

The transfer from its 40-year old Felixstowe base has allowed the charity to double the number of cats and dogs, as well as rabbits and other small animals, which it can rehome.

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. Robyn Ryan with Skippy. (Image: Archant)

It has topped 800 in the last 12 months.

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. (Image: Archant)

“It’s been amazing,” centre manager Mr Gillon said. “We have helped a phenomenal amount of animals.”

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. Victoria Nesling with Bobby. (Image: Archant)

The modern facilities boasts puppy and kitten areas, an on-site veterinary clinic for centre pets, maternity unit, clinical suite for operations and dedicated exercise areas, including 20 acres of neighbouring woodland where staff and volunteers can walk dogs.

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. (Image: Archant)

It has the capacity to keep 15 dogs and 35 cats at any one time. The usual wait for an animal is 25 days.

“We receive pets for all sorts of different reasons,” Mr Gillon said.

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. (Image: Archant)

“Some people find themselves in unfortunately positions in which they can no longer look after pets.”

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. Bobby enjoying the winter sun. (Image: Archant)

Elderly people moving into care homes and financial situations forcing people to downgrade houses and move into rental properties are examples.

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. Robyn Ryan with Skippy. (Image: Archant)

Mr Gillon said: “It can be heartbreaking because they are members of the family.

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. Skippy is looking for a home. (Image: Archant)

“We are lucky enough to have a fantastic team who are sympathetic and very good with dealing with these emotional situations.”

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. (Image: Archant)

He also praised their Home Direct service, which allows pets to remain at home until a new owner is found, sometimes within a few days.

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. (Image: Archant)

Each animal is given a comprehensive ‘MOT’ health check worth £400 before they leave. Cats can be rehomed for a £65 donation and dogs £160.

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. Spot recovering after his operation. (Image: Archant)

Donations and fundraising for the charity is “unbelievably important”, Mr Gillon added.

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. Pauline Watt and Robyn Ryan checking Spot after his recent operation. (Image: Archant)

For more information about The Blue Cross Suffolk branch, click here.

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. Pauline Watt and Robyn Ryan checking Spot after his recent operation. (Image: Archant)

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. Skippy is looking for a home. (Image: Archant)

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. Victoria Nesling with Bobby. (Image: Archant)

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead, Ipswich, has helped over 800 animals find a new home since moving to its new premises a year ago. Georgina Maples with Spot. (Image: Archant)