Pet program helps ensure happy and healthy dogs

Published on 01 October 2020

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A program designed to help protect your pooch has launched today, thanks to a partnership between Rockhampton Regional Council, Queensland-headquartered national charity Paws For A Purpose (PFAP), and two local vets.

The “Vac and Chip Program” offers eligible residents of the Rockhampton Region $15 vaccinations and $10 microchipping for their dogs at participating vets.

Chair of Council’s Local Laws Portfolio, Councillor Ellen Smith, said she was thrilled to see the program offered again this year.

“Part of being a responsible pet owner is helping your dog to stay healthy and safe – and vaccinations and microchipping are an incredibly important part of ensuring their wellbeing,” Cr Smith said.

“These vaccinations normally cost up to or even over $100, and puppies need three of those in their first four months, plus a booster every year thereafter.

“Microchipping is an additional cost to that, so it’s easy to see why people struggle with these kinds of fees at times.

“That’s why we are so proud to roll out programs like Vac and Chip – they drastically reduce the costs for residents and help ensure that pets in our region can still be well cared for.

“I want to thank Pets For A Purpose for teaming up with Council again this year, and local vet clinics Alma Street Veterinary Hospital, Torenbeek, and Capricorn Veterinary Clinic for getting on board.”

With Parvo outbreaks usually occurring from October to February, PFAP Founder and veterinarian, Dr Mark Kelman, said this program is a great opportunity for residents to protect their young pups this year.

“Many people would be surprised to hear that Parvo strikes 20,000 puppies and dogs every year in Australia – 90 per cent of which are puppies and half of which sadly die,” Dr Kelman said.

“We’re all working together under our new Combating Parvovirus Program to make sure those who are doing it tough can still get their puppies and dogs the protection they need from this disease, along with others.

“This is our third year now offering this program, literally saving hundreds of puppies from catching Parvo. And we couldn’t have done it without the amazing veterinary practices joining, a generous Rockhampton Regional Council subsidy and of course the donations we receive and the sale of our very own Paws for A Purpose Premium Beef Treats.”

To apply for the Vac and Chip vouchers, head into any of Council’s Customer Service Centres, or submit a Vaccination and Microchip Voucher Application Form available here.

For further details, phone Customer Service on 4932 9000 or email enquiries@rrc.qld.gov.au.

To find out more about Paws For a Purpose, head here.