Griffith City Council is subsidising a program to help pensioners and low-income earners have their pets de-sexed.
Supported by RSPCA’s Community Animal Welfare Scheme (CAWS), the program aims to increase awareness of the growing population of unwanted dogs and cats in Griffith and encourage pet owners to have their domestic pets de-sexed.
Under the program, the cost to de-sex the family dog is reduced to $65 for females and $50 for males, including microchipping and vaccination. The family cat can be de-sexed for $50 (female) and $35 (male), including microchipping.
Compliance Coordinator Michael Toohey says the risks involved with de-sexing are minimal but the advantages are numerous.
“Last year, Griffith City Council Pound took in over 1000 dogs and cats and only a small percentage of these were able to be given new homes,” he says.
“De-sexing your pet isn’t just about helping to decrease the number of unwanted animals in the area; it also improves your pet’s long-term health.
“With the reduced fees, there is no reason for pet owners not to have their dogs and cats de-sexed.”
Among the advantages of de-sexing domestic pets is they become less likely to stray, are less likely to catch life-threatening diseases and are more affectionate family pets.
Microchipping is also a vital part of responsible pet ownership as it allows stray dogs to be identified if they are picked up by Griffith City Council Compliance Officers and helps to locate the animal’s owners.
“Many people don’t realise that having their cat or dog microchipped is also a legal requirement,” Mr Toohey says.
The subsidised program is taking place from August 2-27. Pensioners and low-income earners can register their pets for de-sexing by contacting Griffith Veterinary Hospital on 6962 3142.
Pet owners will also benefit from a reduced rate on microchipping on August 4 and 5, with the cost being reduced to $20 per animal.
Microchipping is considered similar to receiving a vaccination needle in terms of comfort for your animal, and is a permanent record that the pet belongs to you. As microchips cannot be removed, there is also less likelihood of your pet being stolen.
Mr Toohey says microchipping also saves time and money.
“If your pet runs away, you will not need to spend as much time looking for them, posting up advertisements and checking the Pound,” he says.
“And if someone’s pet does end up at the Pound, the microchip may save their life because we can retrieve the owner’s contact details.”
Appointments are necessary for microchipping and can arranged by calling the council’s customer service team on 6962 8100.
