The SPCA has confirmed it is closing its Alexandra centre due to the state of its facilities.
The animal welfare charity announced it was entering a partnership with Vetlife Alexandra, which would accept and treat animals on its behalf.
The SPCA southern region general manager, Sam Powell, said that its Alexandra centre building on Blackman Rd was not fit for purpose.
It needed a significant amount of financial investment to bring it up to a necessary standard, she said.
"Our priority was ensuring there was a Central Otago location for animals in need and we’re grateful that Vetlife have allocated space and resource in their clinic for this."
The centre had previously limited adoption hours and placed about 150 animals each year.
The organisation highlighted the "poor quarantine facilities" in the Alexandra building as a point of concern.
"Closing the doors of our Alexandra centre was a very difficult decision to make, but we’re confident that our partnership with Vetlife Alexandra means the animals of our community will continue to get the care they need," Mr Powell said.
Asked how many staff members and volunteers would be affected by the decision, an SPCA spokeswoman did not respond.
