RSPCA Victoria has launched low-cost cat desexing and microchipping ahead of 'kitten season' at its Peninsula Animal Care Centre, helping prevent unplanned litters overrunning shelters, and potentially blowing out household budgets.
Speaking about the two programs, Community Outreach Coordinator Lauren Paterson said the cost-of-living crisis was impacting people's ability to afford these vital preventative measures.
"It's an increasingly challenging environment out there following the pressures of the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis is only compounding this," Ms Paterson said.
"Our teams are seeing first-hand just how much people in the community are struggling, and when people are struggling as a result of their circumstances changing beyond their control, such as hospitalisation, financial pressures, or sudden joblessness, their pets are often affected.
"We're also seeing people struggling to provide for unplanned litters from un-desexed pets - last year more than 65% of cats and kittens coming into RSPCA Victoria's shelters weren't desexed.
"By providing these two low-cost programs we're hoping to help those who are struggling, ensure they can prevent unplanned litters affecting them and their pet."
Cats can start breeding at four months old and if not desexed, one female cat and her offspring can produce up to 5,000 cats in seven years[1].
The busiest time of year is 'kitten season', from September to November, where unplanned litters often overwhelm animal shelters, and with it costing nearly $60 per day to care for each animal, it puts even more pressure on already strained resources.
Every Tuesday and Thursday low-cost cat desexing and microchipping are available at the RSPCA Victoria Peninsula Animal Care Centre for just $99, and for one Tuesday each month, the team will be providing these services for means-tested cat owners for only $50.
The program is for cats only at this stage, and bookings are essential:
- For the twice weekly $99 desexing and microchipping book online here https://rspcavic.org/lowcostdesexing/
- If you have a concession card book online here to access the means-tested $50 services with the next means-tested day running Tuesday 10 September: https://events.humanitix.com/peninsula-cat-desexing-event-hvd
Full details of what's involved, cat eligibility, and booking details are available online.
RSPCA Victoria is grateful to the Hugh and Selina Williams Foundation for their support of the means-tested desexing and microchipping program.
RSPCA Victoria's Community Outreach Team also offer low-cost vaccination days and means-tested Healthy Pet Days to support the community.
