The National Centre for Reptile Welfare in Kent, England, can house up to 600 reptiles and amphibians at a time and rehome 1,000 animals each year.
The National Centre for Reptile Welfare, a first of its kind non-profit organization, has opened its doors in Tonbridge, Kent, England with the purpose of educating folks about reptiles and amphibians and rehabilitating those animals that come through its doors.
The centre, which has a quarantine room and has the capability to house up to 600 reptiles and amphibians, is a joint venture between the Pet Charity and Hadlow College, and the Reptile and Exotic Pet Trade Association (REPTA). It will provide a temporary home for abandoned/escaped reptiles and amphibians and will have the capacity to rehome more than 1,000 animals a year.
“There are many pet rehoming centres across the UK, some good and some not so good. This facility will be different as it not only draws from the expertise and opportunities provided by its partnership with Hadlow, but also works with the pet industry to help solve the inevitable outcome of pet ownership; animals that need a new home, Chris Newman, chairman of REPTA told Pet Business World. “Although reptiles and amphibians account for only a small percentage of the pets that need to be found a new home each year, compared to dogs and cats for example, there is a need that requires addressing.”
The centre will include:
- Veterinary triage and reception room
- Quarantine facility
- Capability to house up to 600 reptiles and amphibians
- Separate holding for animals that need to be segregated
- Venomous animal room with external viewing
- Virtual pet shop to facilitate training
- Classroom area
- Full food prep and hygiene area
The centre will also provide holding facilities for animals involved in legal cases, rehoming for all reptiles and amphibians, including venomous species, a training for local authorities, industry and hobbyists, hands on reptile care training, non-invasive research opportunities for degree students at Hadlow College, and more.
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The National Centre for Reptile Welfare in Kent, England, can house up to 600 reptiles and amphibians at a time and rehome 1,000 animals each year.
“When the opportunity arose to develop this centre, the board of The Pet Charity were unanimous in its support for the project,” Tim Wass MBE of the Pet Charity told Pet Business World. “There has never been a project like this, that can make a real difference to animal welfare now and in the future by drawing on the experience of so many people. Although ultimately its future will rely on the generosity of the public for its ongoing success, we felt that it deserved the initial funding we provided.”
The centre is located on Ashes Lane, Tonbridge, Kent, England. For more information, visit the centre's Facebook page here.
