Council and Armidale RSPCA are working together to offer a program which will help educate the community regarding responsible pet ownership – including microchipping, desexing, animal registration and a range of other issues.

“Following the successful implementation of a free microchipping program which commenced in April, a subsidised pet desexing program is underway,” said Janine Carson, Council’s Team Leader Rangers Planning and Environment.

“Council will subsidise the desexing of up to 100 microchipped pets (50 dogs and 50 cats) across the Armidale Regional Council local government area.”

The offer of free microchipping and subsidised desexing is part of a larger program which aims to educate the community and will contribute to a reduction in the number of stray dogs and cats. It was funded by the NSW Government’s Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program which funds responsible pet ownership projects with a focus on innovation and collaboration.

The service is subsidised which means you can get a female dog desexed for just $100, males $80. Female cats are $70 and males $35. There is a limit of 2 animals per household.

To be eligible for this program:

-        The kitten/cat or puppy/dog must be a pet. Litters from breeders will not be accepted. (Cats must be at least three months and dogs six months old to be eligible)

-        You must be a resident of Armidale Regional Council

-        Animals must be microchipped

-        Owners must be a Centrelink card holder / concession card holder or be in financial difficulty

Application forms are available at the Armidale Regional Council Armidale Office on Rusden Street and the Guyra Office on Bradley Street. Forms are also available from the New England Regional Companion Animals Shelter during office hours or through RSPCA Armidale.

All subsidies must be used by June 30, 2017.

For more, call Armidale Regional Council on 6770 3600 or email council@armidale.nsw.gov.au