The community has rallied in support of the shelter since the RSPCA revealed its plans to close the Langslow Street site and relocate all animals to Bendigo.

Last week, a group of volunteers met with the RSPCA and the Mount Alexander Shire Council in the hope of creating an independent organisation to run a shelter in town in future.

RSPCA Victoria chief executive Dr Liz Walker said following the community consultation and ongoing discussions with the council, the organisation agreed to extend the operation of the shelter for a further two months.

"This will mean that the RSPCA Castlemaine Animal Care Centre will remain open until November 30,” she said.

"This decision has been made in partnership with the council to allow the community to consider how they would like to support animal welfare in the municipality moving forward."

A spokesperson from the Mount Alexander Shire said the council was fortunate to have passionate volunteers with a strong interest in animal welfare in the community.

“Council and the RSPCA are providing information to assist the volunteers develop a service model for a locally run community-operated facility,” the spokesperson said. 

“The RSPCA has agreed to continue operations at the Castlemaine Animal Care Centre until November 30 to give them more time to develop a sustainable proposal.”

Former RSPCA volunteer Stephanie Miller said the extension would give the community group time to form an incorporated association and to work with the council to keep the shelter open.  

“The decision means that both the RSPCA and council want the shelter to be given the best possible chance to remain operational and in the hands of our community,” she said. 

“It is wonderful news for animal welfare and for the our community.”

Mrs Miller said Mount Alexander mayor Sharon Telford, councillor Bronwen Machin and chief executive Darren Fuzzard had done a great job in supporting the community’s wishes to keep the shelter open.  

“Dr Liz Walker has responded positively to our request to extend the closure date out of consideration of the fact that the shelter was originally established by community volunteers and also for the sake of animal welfare in our shire,” she said.

“As soon as our organisation has been properly formed we will hold a public meeting to provide answers to the questions interested supporters have and also to call for assistance and fundraising for the shelter.”