Central Coast Council, the National Desexing Network and participating vet clinics have joined forces to offer residents in need a subsidised desexing program to help prevent unwanted cats and dogs.

Central Coast residents on pensions or low income or with too many cats or dogs to afford to desex will pay just $50 to desex their cat, or $60 for a small dog, $70 for a medium dog, $80 for a large dog and $100 for an extra large dog.

The program is managed by the National Desexing Network. Residents who need support phone the National Desexing Network on 1300 368 992 to find out if eligible. If eligible, they will be issued a desexing voucher and can then contact participating vets to make an appointment.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council was thrilled to have joined forces with the National Desexing Network to deliver this important initiative.

“We encourage any eligible Central Coast residents to take advantage of this offer to desex your pet at a lower cost and in turn reduce the registration cost,” Mr Hart said.

“Desexing your pet is an important part of being a responsible pet owner and not only helps to ensure fewer unwanted animals, but research shows that desexed animals can live longer and healthier lives.

“In dogs, desexing can make your pet less likely to roam and reduce the likelihood of your dog being the aggressor in an attack."

Dr Joy Verrinder, Strategic Director of AWLQ’s National Desexing Network, urged residents to get their male and female cats desexed between 2 and 4 months of age, as male cats are less likely to fight, roam and spray, and female cats can become pregnant from just 4 months old and can breed continuously after that.

“We thank the local veterinary clinics for helping with this community service,” said Dr Verrinder.

NDN currently manages year-round Cooperative Desexing Programs free of charge for a growing number of Councils around Australia.

“Ongoing desexing programs have helped achieve zero euthanasia of all healthy and treatable stray and surrendered cats and dogs in Gold Coast City, the second largest Council in Australia,” Dr Verrinder said.

ENDS