An artist's impression of new centre

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) said it would also amount to �285,000-a-year to run the facility in Inverness.

More than 600 unwanted pets were handled by the organisation's Highlands operation last year.

Construction work is due to start later this year.

The new centre will include 14 kennel spaces, a mother and puppy unit, 18 cat spaces and a mother and kitten unit.

We must consider that the need has arisen due to the high numbers of neglected, abused and unwanted animals that need to be cared for in the north Michelle Feenie SSPCA marketing manager

It will have an office and classroom for school visits led by a SSPCA education officer.

The centre will also be the base for the society's seven inspectors who cover the North of Scotland.

Marketing manager Michelle Feenie said increasing numbers of unwanted or abandoned pets was driving the need for larger premises.

She said: "Although the new centre should in a way be considered good news for the area, we must consider that the need has arisen due to the high numbers of neglected, abused and unwanted animals that need to be cared for in the north.

"Over 600 animals came through the current centre's doors in 2006, which was more than we had expected and which pushed our facilities to their limits."

She added: "All of the vital work the Scottish SPCA does depends on donations as we receive no government or lottery support."

A floor plan of the new centre

The separate mother and baby units will aim to give unvaccinated young extra protection from infection.

They will also provide a quieter area for puppies and kittens away from the kennels and cats rehoming units.

There will be another unit for small animals, such as rabbits.