THE Sydney Dogs and Cats Home is looking for a hero — a big-hearted person who can help them find or build a new permanent home, preferably in St George.
The animals and staff have until the end of the year to move from the Carlton premises that has been home for generations of cats and dogs.
After 70 years in one location, the lease is up and the landlord has other ideas for the property.
Spokeswoman Claire Garth said a number of options had been discussed but a permanent home had still not been found.
Ms Garth said it was a pivotal community facility that assisted not only with animal welfare, but aged-care initiatives, disability-care programs, school and higher education assistance and community service.
Oatley MP Mark Coure said it was important to keep Sydney Dogs and Cats Home in the area.
Mr Coure said he would write to the Kogarah, Hurstville and Rockdale mayors to ask them to find a suitable location for the home, which cared for more than 3000 animals each year, housing up to 90 cats and 90 dogs at any time.
The home also takes in rabbits, birds, chickens, goats and other homeless animals.
Ms Garth said Sydney Dogs and Cats Home takes animals from Hurstville, Kogarah, Rockdale, Botany, Leichhardt, Marrickville, Randwick and other council areas.
‘‘We are the ‘pound’ for 10 Sydney councils and we are the only animal pound in Sydney that is also a charity,’’ Ms Garth said.
‘‘We differ from the common stereotype of a pound because we never place a time limit on how long any adoptable animal can stay in our care.
‘‘We keep all adoptable animals until we find homes for them.’’
By law, an animal is required to be held for seven to 14 days, depending on whether or not they are microchipped.
Ms Garth said an ideal new location would have a space of 1600 square metres or more.
‘‘The dream is to build a best-practice facility in Sydney so that we can continue to lead the way in animal welfare and responsible rehoming, and to grow our disability, aged care and education initiatives,’’ she said.
‘‘We know the challenge ahead is large, but the animals of Sydney need us. We have been applauded for our practices and re-homing methods, and we continually strive to retain this high reputation that we have worked so hard to attain.’’
She said a new facility could cost up $10 million and donations were welcome.
Details and donations: sydneydogsandcatshome.org