Council's planning and environmental services director Andrew Johns said other features were an open secure yard; more dog enclosures; isolation pens for dogs that need veterinary care; and a laundry store.

The final design for the facility upgrade could be finalised in the next 12 months but Mr Johns said the council would install new purpose-built cat enclosures in the coming months.

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At a recent meeting, councillors voted to shift the $80,000 allocated for design in the 2019/20 Animal Control Capital Works budget over to the 2020/21 financial year. Mr Johns said the design phase had been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Johns said the existing facility was about 20 years old and could house 10 dogs and four cats but need sometimes outstripped space. The new facility will incorporate the existing building.

"Several times a year the number of dogs needing to be impounded exceeds the maximum capacity. On such occasions, council engages animal welfare organisations who provide temporary accommodation," he said.

"With the development of the new impound facility Gunnedah Shire Council intends to meet current and forecast animal welfare standards. The proposed facility will have a minimum of 15 dog enclosures to adequately manage current and future occupancy levels."

Mr Johns said the council impounded more than 200 dogs and 195 cats in the 2019/20 financial year. In previous years, the number of dogs has exceeded 300.

At the June meeting, councillor Ann Luke asked Mr Johns if veterinarians such as herself, and the Gunnedah RSPCA, would consulted about the new facility.

Mr Johns said the aim was to "develop a new facility to meet the standards set by the state government" but he would raise the question with the project team.

The local RSPCA branch and vets have been working with the council for many years to rehome as many animals as possible.

"Older animals that are not identified and registered, along with any surrendered animals are also promoted to rescue organisations," Mr Johns said.

"Since late 2019, just three impounded dogs were euthanised: two were unsuitable for rescue or rehoming, and one was seriously ill with suspected Canine Parvovirus.

"Unfortunately, many companion animals are surrendered, allowed to roam, dumped, or simply released into our urban and rural environments. In response, council regulatory services staff conduct random and targeted patrols of Gunnedah and shire villages to monitor animal welfare and collect roaming animals. Council also runs cat trapping programs and hires cat traps to the community."

After the final design has been ticked off, Mr Johns said funding for the upgrade would be sought from the council for the 2021/22 financial year.