Company/Organisation Profile

Opened in 2003, it is a state of the art facility offering shelter and care to a wide variety of animals including dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, goats, cows, pigs, rabbits, ferrets, gerbils, budgies, snakes, terrapins and all manner of farmyard fowl.

The rescue and re-homing centre is also a rest stop for a number of injured and young wildlife awaiting release including swans, foxes, badgers, hedgehogs and small birds.

The areas on public view include the stables, paddocks and grazing pastures, the dog kennels, cattery, small animal sections, pig play area, goat and fowl areas and entry to the centre is free.

All these areas are a big hit with children.

We have a gift and pet supplies shop where you can get a snack to eat and a cup of tea or coffee. People can sit and relax after visiting the rescue and rehoming centre, meet our Adoption Consultants, buy cat and dog food and other pet accessories; we also sell items for adults, kids and the home.

School groups, community groups, summer recreation programs, church groups and any other interested groups can set up a time for a tour of the DSPCA animal rescue and rehoming centre which includes introductory talk and discussion session in our lecture room followed by a tour of the centre.

Behind the scenes we have isolation facilities housing sick and injured dogs and cats, veterinary inspection units, pre and post-operative veterinary wings and two state of the art operating theatres.

The campus can be reached by car or by bus 15b to Stocking Lane (followed by a short walk). Please note there are no footpaths on Mount Venus road so we recommend caution if walking from the bus stop on Stocking Lane/Avenue.

Placement Details

The Following requirements apply:

• Work Experience in the DSPCA is carried out strictly on a block week basis, i.e. Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 4.30pm only. 
• You will be expected to be in the DSPCA for the full 5 days - this is a Work Placement and we would respect it if hospital appointments, sports events and other required time off be postponed until after the period of work placement.
• Please be aware that you will be cleaning so practice with a mop and bucket before your placement begins is essential! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMpZIh6nprw)
• Unfortunately we cannot take students suffering from animal hair allergies as the placement requires working in confined spaces with multiple dogs and cats.
• Students must be able to get to us as we are not on a bus route and the road is not recommended for walking.
• It is recommended that students have an up to date anti tetanus vaccine.
• Students must be insured by their school.
• Please note - if you wish to do 2 weeks’ work placement you must book in for each week separately.

Please Note - We can not take on students doing one day a week.

To apply for a place for the Gaisce Awards please email [email protected]

How to Apply

Click here for application details.