Did you know that cats can reproduce up to three times a year, beginning from four months old?
Council is offering vouchers to eligible concession card holders for free desexing at participating vet clinics along with one year free registration for cats within Corangamite Shire.
TO BE ELIGIBLE:
- You must have a concession card
- You need to be a Corangamite resident
- Maximum of two cats per household.
How do I get a desexing voucher?
- Check that you meet the eligibility criteria (see below).
- Submit your application, you can do this two ways:
- Online: Complete the application form below or;
- Phone/In person: Speak with one of our Local Laws team by calling 5593 7100 or visiting the Civic Centre at 181 Manifold St, Camperdown.
- We will be in contact to let you know if you are approved for a desexing voucher.
- Once you’ve been approved, you will need to contact the participating vet clinic that you nominated on your application form to book a desexing appointment.
- We will advise your nominated vet clinic that you have been approved for a desexing voucher.
- Contact Council to redeem you free first year registration for your cat(s).
The desexing vouchers expire on 30 June 2025.
Who is eligible to get a desexing voucher?
To get a voucher, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be the holder of a current concession card:
- Health Care Card
- Pensioners Concession Card
- Seniors Card or
- Veteran Affairs Gold Card
How much is the desexing discount?
Council will cover the full veterinary costs for desexing and microchipping (where applicable) at participating vet clinics.
Do I need to pay anything for desexing?
No, you will not pay anything for desexing. However, any additional veterinary costs outside the desexing/ microchipping services (such as vaccinations) are not covered by the voucher and must be paid by the voucher holder. Please discuss any additional services and associated costs with your selected vet clinic.
What is a source number?
A source number is required when implanting a microchip into a cat or dog born after 1 July 2020. If you purchased your cat from a responsible cat breeder, please ask them for their source number if the cat is not yet microchipped. If the cat came into your life by other means (stray or abandoned kitten), please contact Council’s Local Laws team for help with obtaining a source number.
Why should I get my cat desexed?
Female cats can reproduce up to three times a year, beginning from four months old. Desexing your cat will prevent multiple litters of kittens and help to reduce feral cat numbers. Roaming and feral cats can spread disease to other cats and people. Each year roaming and feral cats kill large numbers of native birds and animals. Your male cat might not be able to have kittens but by leaving him undesexed he is able to breed female cats, producing multiple litters. Council offers a significant discount for the registration of desexed animals.
Why should I get my cat microchipped and registered?
Registering your cat is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner. Microchipping and registering helps to quickly reunite cats with their families if they stray.
What if my cat is pregnant or on heat?
Cats can be desexed when pregnant. If you think your cat might be pregnant, please discuss with your veterinarian and notify Council as there may be additional costs that Council needs to plan for.
When does the program finish?
This Cat Desexing program is supported by the Victorian Government. The program finishes on 30 June 2025 or earlier if all program funding is spent.
Which vets are participating?
Camperdown Veterinary Centre
1 Leura St, Camperdown 5593 1077
Hampden Veterinary Clinic
22 Curdie St Cobden 5595 1100
Terang Veterinary Clinic
20 Estcourt St, Terang 5592 2111
The Vet Group
99 Bailey St, Timboon 5558 6666
Further information
For further information, please contact Council’s Local Laws team on 5593 7100.