Melbourne’s cherished Lort Smith, Australia’s largest not-for-profit animal hospital, proudly announces the official unveiling of its newly renovated facilities. The opening ceremony was honoured by The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp AO, underscoring the hospital’s enduring commitment to the health and well-being of Melbourne’s animals and their devoted owners.

Since its inception in 1936, Lort Smith has played an indispensable role in Melbourne’s compassionate community fabric. Dedicated to its purpose, the hospital firmly believes that pets and their people should always be prioritised over profits. This steadfast commitment has not only shaped the landscape of pet welfare in Melbourne but also strengthened the unique bond that defines our great city.

“I want to express the excitement and appreciation that our community has for the work that you do here,” remarked The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp AO, during the ceremony. “We understand how important animals are for humans and we are delighted that you are in the City of Melbourne.”

Lort Smith offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at meeting the diverse needs of Melbourne’s pet-loving community. From its flagship hospital in North Melbourne, equipped with state-of-the-art clinic, emergency, and surgery services, to its campus in Campbellfield, home to its Shelter and Adoption Centre, outpatient clinic and community dog park, Lort Smith remains at the forefront of animal healthcare.

Furthermore, Lort Smith’s extensive outreach programs, including Pet Therapy initiatives across Melbourne hospitals, aged care homes, and youth justice facilities, exemplify its commitment to serving the broader community.

Reflecting on its storied history, Lort Smith traces its roots back to April 1936 when Melburnians Lady Frances Lyle and Louisa Lort Smith founded ‘The Hospital for Sick and Injured Animals’ on the same site where the hospital continues to operate today. This rich legacy underscores Lort Smith’s enduring dedication to the welfare of animals and its integral role in Melbourne’s cultural tapestry.

As Melbourne’s beloved animal hospital embarks on this new chapter, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide compassionate care to all animals, ensuring that the bond between pets and their people remains unbreakable.

 

Pictured above:
North Melbourne’s Zac Fisher with his French Bulldog Pinot, Lort Smith Board Chair Alastair Stott, Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Sally Capp AO, North Melbourne’s Nicole Bresnehan with her Bernese Mountain Dog Boston and Lort Smith’s CEO Jennifer Fleming.