Mornington Peninsula Shire is launching the Responsible Paws project to help eligible residents access free microchipping and free first-year animal registration for their cats and dogs.
The project supports community members who hold an eligible pension card, excluding aged pension card holders who are supported through a separate program, by reducing the cost barriers that can prevent pets from being microchipped and registered.
Microchipping gives pets a much greater chance of being reunited with their owners if they become lost.
Bookings are now available for the first free microchipping event on Sunday 27 September at the Community Animal Shelter, 130 Watt Road, Mornington. It will be booked up quickly and more dates will be posted soon.
For bookings and eligibility details, visit: Responsible Paws Project – Mornington Peninsula Shire.
The Shire is continuing to work toward securing a local veterinary partner for the low-cost desexing program. Details will be shared as soon as the desexing program becomes available.
The desexing program will provide safe, professional care for eligible dogs and cats. Free microchipping will also help residents meet registration requirements and take practical steps toward responsible pet ownership.
All cats and dogs over three months of age must be microchipped and registered with the Shire. Cats must also be desexed before they can be registered unless an exemption applies.
Mayor Stephen Batty said the Responsible Paws project will help more residents access practical support to keep their cats and dogs safe, healthy and identifiable.
“Pets are an important part of many households and we know the cost of microchipping and registration can be a barrier for some people,” Cr Batty said.
“Council wants to make it easier for eligible residents to access practical support that improves outcomes for their pets and benefits the wider community.”
