Small and exotic animals to be cared for in new rescue house in Dublin

Guinea pigs are among the animals cared for at the new DSPCA shelter. Picture: DSPCA

A shelter in Dublin has had to open a small and exotic animal house at their facility due to the growing number of pets
surrendered to or rescued by their volunteers.

The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) launched their new house at their Rathfarnham shelter on Monday.

It is the first of its kind in Dublin and will cater for, among others:

• rabbits
• guinea pigs
• rodents
• ferrets
• birds
• reptiles

The DPSCA said a specialised team will care for the animals while they await an adoption.

It notes that they will provide "expert advice and supports to those who adopt the animals".

The charity has seen the adoption rate of small and exotic animals jump by 55% in the last 12 months.

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.

DSPCA small animals and exotics manager Caroline Mothersill said: "We are delighted to open our new small animal and exotics house here at the shelter. 

Rabbits rescued by the DSPCA. 

"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."