Otago SPCA chief executive Sophie McSkimming said building consent was granted for a new animal shelter in May.
She said it was proposed a Vetlife clinic building be shifted from Omarama and established on a site in Torridge St, Oamaru.
The SPCA has still been servicing North Otago since the Stuart St premises closed in April last year and the local branch was wound up.
Inspection services have continued and animals rescued from North Otago have been available for adoption at the Dunedin centre.
The new Oamaru Animal Centre will be open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm.
Ms McSkimming said it would be a fully functional shelter and house cats for adoption, as well as other animals as available, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and dogs, Ms McSkimming said.
She said Vetlife Oamaru had been ''so generous'' in its support but when the building was moved was up to the company.
''So we've just got to bide our time,'' she said.
''I'd like to think it's not going to be too much longer. I know everybody is really looking forward to having it.''
When a timeframe is confirmed, the SPCA will be advertising for Oamaru volunteers.
Vetlife Oamaru principal and practice manager Ivan Holloway said the shelter project was ''a work in progress''.
