Australia’s cat and dog owners are being urged to get their vet on board for National Desexing Month in July and help reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies.
“Please check with your vet to see if they are part of the program and ask them to sign up if they’re not,” National Desexing Network Director Sylvana Wenderhold said.
This year’s theme is ‘Don’t like Surprises? Desex your pet’.
The National Desexing Network (NDN) is the brainchild of Animal Welfare League Queensland. Now in its twelfth year, it asks veterinarians around the country to sign up on the NDN website (ndn.org.au/assets/files/2016%20NDM%20-%20Vet%20Participation%20Form.pdf) and offer discounted cat and dog desexing options within their communities.
“We’re urging as many vets to come on board as possible, and for people to take advantage of the discounted rates and get their pets desexed,” Ms Wenderhold said.
“It’s so important to try reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies before they need care.”
“Animal Welfare League Queensland and other groups across the country are trying to save as many lives as possible, but we have to break the cycle.”
Last year more than 2,500 kittens and nearly 1,200 puppies were born, surrendered or simply dumped at one of five AWLQ rehoming centres in South East Queensland alone.
Many more don’t make it to the shelters, rescue groups or pounds.
Ms Wenderhold says there’s also many other reasons, closer to home, to have your pet desexed.
“They are less likely to stray, spray in and around your house, be injured fighting over territory, are more relaxed and affectionate and, generally, live longer and happier lives. And who wouldn’t want that for their dog or cat?”
Vets can simply download the National Desexing Network (NDN) participation form and nominate a discounted amount for companion animal desexing.
“National Desex Your Pet Month aims to break this cycle around the country,” Ms Wenderhold said.
“We’re asking veternarians to come on board, some for the first time, and help make a difference.
“And please pet owners urge your local vet to become involved and support this cause.”
AWLQ’s own Community Vet Clinics at Ipswich, on the Gold Coast and in Hobart are all part of the NDN July campaign. Head to awlqld.com.au/locations/vet-clinic-locations/ for locations.
