Horsham PAWS will offer desexing at no cost thanks to government fund

Established in April 2010, Horsham PAWS will run a 'No-Cost Feline Desex and Microchipping' program for concession/health care holders within the Horsham Rural City Council.

'No-Cost Feline Desex and Microchipping' will cover the cost of a cat spay or castration procedure and microchip implantation to be carried out at Your Family Vet or Horsham Veterinary Clinic.

The animal's chip will contain the owner's details.

Desexing and microchipping are vital to keeping the cat population under control and keeping pets safe if they get lost.

The RSPCA state that a desexed cat live a longer life and is less likely to roam.

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An owner must provide a copy of a concession or healthcare card with their application to be eligible.

The cat must be at least 10 weeks old.

There is a limit of two cats per household, and if proof of ownership cannot be provided, the animals will be scanned for an existing chip.

The animal needs to be registered with Horsham Rural City Council.

The RSPCA recommends cats be desexed before reaching puberty.

This can occur anywhere between four months and six months of age.

Appropriate post-operation care is the responsibility of the pet owner.

The care will be explained both before and after the operation by the veterinarian.

Owners would be responsible for transporting animals to and from the vet, but for some circumstances, support may be provided by the Horsham PAWS committee.

The form offers the procedure to be given at either Your Family Vet or Horsham Veterinary Hospital.

Return this completed form and the copy of your pension or health care card in-store, in an envelope with "HPAWS Desexing Program" written on the front at the HPAWS Shop, located at 45 Firebrace Street, Horsham. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, and Saturday 10am to 1pm.

Forms can also be sent via post to PO Box 514, Horsham VIC 3402, or emailed to committee@horshampaws.com.au with the subject: "HPAWS Desexing Program".

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