There has been an extraordinary response from cat and dog owners embracing the opportunity to take advantage of a State Government backed pilot program, run by RSPCA WA, that offers financial support to sterilise their pets.
The Pet Sterilisation Program pilot, unleashed on 1 July, is assisting Western Australian pet owners to comply with regulations to sterilise and microchip their cats and dogs.
The McGowan Government has injected $250,000 into the successful program, providing up to 75 per cent of the cost of sterilisation and microchipping the pets of eligible participants.
To date more than 200 eligible pet owners from around the State have elected to get their pets sterilised using the program, while further applications are still being processed.
More than 20 veterinarians in the metropolitan area and the regions have signed up to support the pilot, some value-adding by offering further discounted services.
The concession is available to WA Seniors Card, Pension Concession Card and Health Care Card holders until 30 June 2023, unless funds are exhausted prior.
For more information and to register for the RSPCA WA’s Pet Sterilisation Program pilot visit https://www.rspcawa.org.au/bewise or call (08) 9209 9315.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“It’s great to see the terrific uptake of the Pet Sterilisation Program pilot, which is assisting our community to sterilise their furry friends.
“This initiative is assisting those in our community who would not normally be able to afford to sterilise their pets – preventing the creation of unwanted or abandoned animals.
“Thanks to those veterinary practices that have jumped on board to participate in the program, particularly those who are adding additional complementary or discounted services.”
