"This facility will be home to more than 100 dogs and about 40 cats that the NSW Animal Welfare League has rescued from harm," Mr Whan said.

"This first stage is worth more than $4.7 million and sets a new standard for pet care.

"Once the second stage is complete, the whole site will be worth about $14 million and will be one of the leading facilities of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

"The Kemps Creek shelter has been designed to alleviate pressure on the league's other sites and features the highest possible standards of animal care - something these animals will benefit from."

Features of the new shelter include solar-passive design, water collection, waste-water treatment and use of natural gas and solar power.

"There is also in-floor kennel heating and natural air flow and space for animals to be exercised," Mr Whan said.

"The local community will be able to board their animals here and know they are receiving the best treatment that the Animal Welfare League has become widely known for."

Mr Whan said the Animal Welfare League was a respected organisation that had been actively preventing cruelty to animals, finding homes for unwanted pets and educating the public on animal welfare since 1958.

"In 2008-09 the NSW Animal Welfare League adopted out more than 1000 dogs and 2600 cats," he said.

"These are animals that have been given a second chance at life.

"The community should be ever grateful to the league, its 50 staff and 400-strong army of volunteers who make a difference each day they come to work with the league."

The second stage of the shelter will include a third kennel run, a training veterinary hospital, retail outlet, education facility, stockyards, stables and walking tracks.