Discounted vet services available thanks to Responsible Pet Ownership

Published on 29 August 2017

A new responsible pet ownership program is helping locals cover some of the costs associated with registering, de-sexing, microchipping, vaccinating and worming their cats and dogs.

Mildura Rural City Council’s Local Laws Officers are now distributing Responsible Pet Ownership packs. Each pack includes a $100 voucher for services at local veterinary clinics as well as a range of products and information about looking after your pet.

The initiative, which is a partnership between Sunraysia Animal Rehousing Group and Mildura Rural City Council aims to encourage responsible pet ownership and ultimately reduce the number of animals euthanised at the Mildura Animal Pound. It is being delivered thanks to a $40,000 grant from the State Government’s Animal Welfare Fund.

More than 20 local pet owners have already received a pack, including Caitlin Bloomfield who will use the voucher to help pay for her dog Loki’s parvo virus vaccinations.  

“He is due for his next round of vaccinations soon so this voucher will be very handy,” Caitlin said.

“We want to make sure Loki is protected against parvo, because it can be life-threatening. There are lots of costs with a pet and they all add up, but it is definitely worth it.”

Councillor Simon Clemence hopes other pet owners will follow Caitlin’s example.

“Registering your pet with Council is actually a legal requirement if they’re over three months of age and all newly registered pet must also be microchipped,” he said.

“De-sexing your animal is the best way to avoid unplanned breeding which in turn will help reduce the number of unwanted pets that end up in the Pound.”

Cr Clemence encouraged pet owners who may be finding it a challenge to cover the costs of registering, de-sexing, microchipping, vaccinating or worming their cat or dog, to contact Council and enquire about the Responsible Pet Ownership packs. He said Local Laws Officers would discuss the pet owners’ circumstances with them and determine if a pack, including a $100 veterinary services voucher, was appropriate.

All up 300 packs are available and recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

SARG President Trudie Chant said her organisation and Council had a great track record of working together to address animal welfare and pet ownership issues in our community.

“Pet ownership is a wonderful thing however there are real costs that come when you welcome a cat or dog in to your family.”

“We understand these costs can be a burden for some people and although they would like to, they’re simply unable to register, de-sex or vaccinate their pets. We hope this program will help make these important pet ownership responsibilities a little more accessible.”

For more information about the Responsible Pet Ownership packs call Council on (03) 5018 8100 or visit our Madden Avenue Service Centre between 8am and 5pm weekdays.

ENDS