The Family Vet Centre’s million dollar plus investment in Thomas Mitchell Drive includes a $675,000 home-away-from-home for moggies and pooches.

It will have 70 kennels and room for 35 cats in the floor-heated building.

Dogs will have extensive exercise yards and cats will have an enclosed outdoor area.

In time, the Family Vet Centre’s Wodonga clinic in Beechworth Road will relocate to the new address but partners Peter Lee and Justin Clancy said the immediate priority was the kennels and cattery.

“We are hoping to have them ready by December for the Christmas rush,” Dr Lee said.

“We believe there is a real need for a kennel and cattery in Albury-Wodonga.”

Dr Clancy said nothing had been spared in the design of the clinic, kennels and cattery.

“To do something like this right requires a good deal of thought and consideration, it is no longer just a roof overhead,” he said.

“A veterinary architect was engaged for the project and we have drawn on our experience to think through what does and doesn’t work.

“Nothing’s been left to chance.

“The clinic and boarding house will be state of the art, and just as importantly it will also be sound-proofed.

“It is a significant expansion and investment and may seem like a lot of money but we have faith in Albury-Wodonga.”

The new centre will be built on the site previously occupied by vet Mara King.

She joined the Family Vet Centre practice earlier this year.

The move from Beechworth Road will end an almost 30-year association with veterinary practice at that address.