THE RSPCA Care Centre at Rouse Hill opened on December 13, 2009, but the number has proven far from unlucky for the shelter outreach facility which has so far adopted out 735 animals.
"Based on how long the Care Centre has been opened and how many animals it can accommodate at one time — approximately 22 — this is definitely an impressive number," Marianne Zander, RSPCA NSW's media relations officer, told the News on Thursday.
"We've only had 21 returns, plus a small handful of other animals that have subsequently been transferred back to our Sydney shelter in Yagoona.
"This may have been because the animals weren't coping at the Care Centre, may have needed more space to run around, but it's never a matter of an animal going out to Rouse Hill to be euthanised."
The Care Centre is at Civic Way, Rouse Hill Town Centre, and is open: Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 9am-5.30pm; Thursday, 9am-9pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm; and Sunday, 10am-5pm.
It is not a pet store or a traditional shelter.
"In comparison to a traditional shelter where we take in surrenders and care for them long term, the care centre was designed more, in layman's terms, for people who don't have a desire to come out to a shelter," Ms Zander said.
They may find the experience of seeing so many abandoned animals as daunting or too saddening, so the RSPCA chose to place some of its animals in a mall environment.
"We have room for five dogs, a handful of cats, and pocket pets, like rabbits and guinea pigs, at the Care Centre," Ms Zander said.
"For us it's about the animal being the right fit for the person, or new family.
"Animals are not an impulse buy. We need to ensure people are ready for the long-term commitment."
In addition to an adoption centre, the Rouse Hill facility also includes an outpatient veterinary clinic.
"We run one [puppy] class per week, and offer junior and senior puppy classes, depending on their age," Ms Zander said.
"Classes are held on Tuesday nights from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and while we don't offer workshops at the centre, our education team do lead talks and discussions at the local library [in the Rouse Hill Town Centre], which are tailored for adults and children.
"Topics include noise phobia [for example] preventing injury among animals during thunderstorms, and bite prevention."
The centre is interviewing volunteer applicants and training new volunteers but always welcomes applications.
There are 30 volunteers at the facility.
"Whether it's walk the dogs, clean the cages, or work the front desk, volunteers are asked to commit to one regular shift per week, for a minimum of six months," Ms Zander said.
They should enjoy working with people and animals, be outgoing and confident, be customer service orientated, enjoy physical work, and not mind getting their hands dirty, she said.
For information, visit rspcansw.org.au or phone 8883 0622.
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