A CHEAP SNIP ‘N’ CHIP

Now is the time to get your cats desexed following the launch of SPCA’s Snip ‘n’ Chip campaign ahead of kitten season.

The initiative enables cat owners to get their cats desexed and microchipped for just $10 at nine participating vets in the region.

Every month, hundreds of animals end up in SPCA centres nationwide, and that number can balloon to thousands over the warmer months thanks to kitten season.

In a bid to make desexing and microchipping services more accessible, the animal welfare organisation is offering these procedures at a fraction of the cost to assist pet owners who cannot afford to get their cat desexed.

“We know desexing and microchipping is one of the key things we can all do to make a real difference for animal welfare in New Zealand and reduce the large number of unwanted litters and lost animals we see,” says SPCA national desexing manager Rebecca Dobson.

“Should your pet ever become lost or stolen, microchipping gives you the best chance of being reunited with them.

“Both procedures are straight-forward, your cat will bounce back very quickly, and our participating vets will be able to answer any questions you have.”

The campaign received a positive response in Tauranga earlier this year.

“We’re thrilled to bring Snip ‘n’ Chip back to the community again and help pet owners who need to get their pets desexed, but are struggling to meet the costs of surgery,” says Rebecca.

Tauranga Vets veterinarian Elisia Jones says Snip ‘n’ Chip helps improve the welfare of lots of pets.

She says it enables people who have multiple pets or stray cats living nearby to get them desexed.

“As a result, we have less unplanned litters, less neglected or abused animals and, overall, a healthier population of pets,” says Elisia.

“Cats are very good reproducers, and they’ll make a lot of kittens if you let them loose.”

Desexing means there are less health risks for cats, such as breast cancer or uterine infections, as well as unwanted behaviours like roaming, fighting, spraying and aggression in males.

Less unwanted litters can also help reduce predation on local wildlife, which is vulnerable to cats says Elisia.

Snip ‘n’ Chip vouchers can be purchased at the following participating vet clinics: Barkes Corner Veterinary Hospital, Brookfield Veterinary Centre, Beach Road Veterinary Clinic, Coastal Pet Vet, Tauranga Vets, Katikati Vets, Pāpāmoa Village Vets, Te Puke Vets and Te Puna Vets.

For more information visit: www.spca.nz/snipnchip