Work on the new Paws and Claws animal shelter in Craiglie is well underway with the centre expected to open in the next couple of months.

The new shelter is licenced to hold up to 38 dogs, plus cats, and will boast two separate soundproof boarding and refuge kennels with air-conditioning and climate controls, three outdoor run areas so the dogs can stretch their legs, a separate cattery, a kitchen, and a caretaker’s cottage.

The current $1.5 million works will bring to completion stage one of the project, a functional purpose-built ready to open animal shelter, while in the future another $300,000 worth of works is planned as part of stage two.

Paws and Claws President Michael Kerr said the committee is extremely excited to be so close to opening.

“Everything is coming together, we are really excited, we're looking at an August or September opening date,” he said.

“The kennels, which have been made in the United States of stainless steel specially made for animals, are on the ship. Hopefully, they will be ready to go straight in at the start of August.

“Everything that we need to be operational as per the licence requirements will be done and then any luxury items will be part of stage two.”

Stage two will include a third kennel room, a special puppy area, an isolation chamber, and a larger commercial kitchen.

To help fund the project Paws and Claws have been continuously fundraising thanks to many generous community members.

“It's an extremely expensive project, we're having to borrow a quarter of a million dollars to get to the opening stage, so donations are certainly gratefully appreciated,” Kerr said.

“We are really grateful to the local Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes society who recently gave us $2500.

“That is the type of thing that really makes a difference.

“The Bendigo Bank also gave us another $5000 which is really appreciated, which will go towards a new state of the art wash dry vacuum system that washes and sterilises the floors while sucking up all the water at the same time, keeping everything clean.”

During Port Douglas Carnivale in May, Paws and Claws also held two fundraising events; a Dogs Day out which raised over $1000 and a Gala Lunch at Zinc Restaurant.

“We are really appreciative of Zinc, with their contribution, we ended up raising over $11,000 on the day which was amazing,” Kerr said.

Market sausages sizzles and the Paws and Claws charity shop in Mossman also contribute to the ongoing fundraising efforts.

Kerr said having a facility like this in the Shire is extremely important.

“Ever since it started in the early 80s, it's been a pivotal part of Douglas as far as rescuing homeless and neglected animals.

“There is definitely still a need for a refuge. We are contacted all the time about abandoned animals and we send them off to Cairns or the Tablelands. While people keep breeding, there's always going to be excess amount and there has to be a place in Douglas where people can come to adopt a pet.

“It’s also important for people on holidays up here to have the boarding section. This gives people somewhere for their pets to go so they can utilise the reef trips or go to the Daintree for the day and know their animals will be kept safe.

“And there's also the locals who live here that want to go on holidays and need somewhere local to put their dog in boarding and soon they will be able to do that here,” Kerr said.