Lort Smith, an iconic Melbourne institution, has received a grant from the Victorian Government of $150,000 towards the building of Lort Smith Campbellfield, in Melbourne’s north.

Lort Smith CEO, Fiona Webster said, “Lort Smith’s new facility at Campbellfield will provide low-cost veterinary services, improved adoption centre facilities, more support for pet carers in crisis and help to reduce pet surrenders through behavioural support. It will also have an off-lead dog park, helping to bring a community of animal lovers together.

“Our view is that every animal deserves to have a healthy life and to be loved and cared for. At Lort Smith we aspire to provide animal healthcare and wellbeing that is world-class – regardless of the financial circumstances of the pet’s carer”.

“This grant from the Victorian Government will help establish Lort Smith Campbellfield to serve more Victorians and their animals by providing quality care to people living in Melbourne’s suburbs,” she said.

Last month Lort Smith ran its inaugural ‘Paw It Forward’ Giving Day as part of its ongoing campaign to raise much need funds for Lort Smith Campbellfield.

Ms Webster explained, “Lort Smith has reached a critical point in its operations. The demand for our services continues to grow and our current physical facilities are pushed to their limits. We urgently need to enhance and expand our facilities and services to ensure Lort Smith can continue to help animals and their carers, as well as the vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our community.”

Lort Smith is among a small number of animal care and welfare organisations to receive Animal Welfare Grants this year. The Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program provides grants to not-for profit organisations aiming to improve responsible pet ownership and provide better animal welfare services.