- Half a million dollars to assist eligible owners to sterilise their dogs and cats
- Cook Government delivering a significant cost-of-living relief measure
- Program expected to commence mid-October 2024
The Cook Government is delivering a significant cost-of-living relief measure providing $500,000 to RSPCA WA to subsidise the sterilisation of dogs and cats in Western Australia.
It is expected the funding will result in the sterilisation of up to 1,200 dogs and 500 cats.
The 75 per cent discount on sterilisation costs will be available at participating vet clinics for WA Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card and Health Care Card holders.
To qualify for the subsidy, expected to open in October, owners will need to provide a valid concession card, proof of identification and proof of ownership of the pet being sterilised.
There are many benefits to having dogs and cats desexed, including preventing unwanted litters that can create many animal welfare issues.
Sterilised pets are also happier, calmer and healthier, which saves pet owners money in the long-term.
The program will assist eligible owners sterilise their pet dog or cat ahead of the Cook Government's Stop Puppy Farming laws commencing next year.
Under these new laws, pet dogs are required to be sterilised after two years of age, unless exempt. The Cat Act already requires cats to be sterilised at six months, unless exempt.
For more information, visit rspcawa.org.au/bewise or call 9209 9311 and for more on Stop Puppy Farming laws, visit: dlgsc.wa.gov.au/stoppuppyfarming.
As stated by Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley:
"The Cook Government is committed to continuing our work to support the welfare of pet dogs and cats across our State.
"The program will deliver targeted cost-of-living relief to support Western Australians who might struggle to afford the vet bill to sterilise their beloved pet.
"There was a positive response when the WA Labor Government introduced the subsidised sterilisation program in 2022 - now we've doubled funding to support more pet owners.
"This initiative continues the Cook Government's landmark work on companion animal welfare. We doubled funding to pet rescue organisations last year, committed a $1.2 million boost to the Animal Welfare Grant Program and recently awarded a $9.8 million contract to build the PetsWA online registration system."
As stated by RSPCA WA Chair Lynne Bradshaw:
"I welcome the funding and congratulate the State Government for making a commitment to the welfare of animalsState-wide.
"The Pet Sterilisation Program is a highly effective way to make a real difference to animal welfare in WA.
"This program will help eligible low-income pet owners comply with current and upcoming laws relating to sterilisations, while reducing unwanted litters and addressing other welfare concerns associated with unsterilised dogs and cats.
"In the last financial year, 269 puppies came through our shelter doors in 2023-24, a 35 per cent increase on the year before, as well as 376 kittens."
