The journey of the SPCA Desexing Caravan begins today - here's everything you need to know

Two weeks ago, we announced that the SPCA Desexing Caravan was once again hitting the road and coming to the East Coast. The big day has arrived, with the first animals receiving their vital surgeries and procedures in Ruatoria today.

For a limited time, cat and dog owners in Ruatoria, Te Araroa, Waihau Bay, Te Kaha, Ōpōtiki, Tokomaru and Tolaga Bay will be able to receive desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, and flea and worm treatments for free. A koha is greatly appreciated.

There is a limited number of spaces available, so pet owners should call 022 568 7993 to secure their spot, or head to www.spca.nz/desexing-caravan-listings.

The East Coast residents don't have easy access to veterinary services, with the nearest vet being a two-hour drive away in Gisborne. Desexing and microchipping can often be very expensive too, and SPCA’s Desexing Caravan is just one of SPCA’s initiatives to make these procedures more accessible to New Zealanders who need a helping hand.

As well as reducing the large amounts of unwanted animals, scientific research has proven that a desexed animal lives a happier and healthier life. They are less likely to get into fights, can be more affectionate and friendly, and have a reduced risk of health problems such as cancer.

We believe desexing and microchipping are some of the key ways to improve animal welfare in New Zealand, and we’d like to thank our participating vets and partners in advance for helping to make this campaign possible.

The SPCA Desexing Caravan schedule is as follows:

Ruatoria: 22 August – 1 September

Te Araroa: 12 September – 15 September

Waihau Bay: 19 September – 22 September

Te Kaha: 26 September – 29 September

Ōpōtiki: 3 October – 13 October

Tokomaru Bay: 17 October - 20 October

Tolaga Bay: 25 October - 27 October

• How do I get my animal booked in?

You can book your animal in by using the link above, or by calling 022 567 7993 and our team will be able to answer any questions you have.

• Why isn’t my address working on the online booking system?

Our online booking system uses an American format, which doesn’t recognise correct New Zealand addresses. Please only use the 'Custom Address' option, and in the ‘State’ section use the first two letters of your region, for example, ‘GI’ for Gisborne.

• Why isn’t my home phone number working on the online booking system?

Our online booking system uses an American format and requires an extra ‘0’ at the beginning, for example, 006 instead of 06. This does not affect the mobile phone number.

• What age does my kitten/puppy need to be before I can get them desexed?

We can desex kittens that weigh more than 1kg. Puppies need to be 6 months or older.

• My animal is desexed already, can I just get the microchip?

Yes, you can. Microchipping is a great tool that helps hundreds of lost animals reunite with their owners each year.

• My animal is microchipped already, can I just get them desexed?

Yes, you can. Desexing not only helps your animal live a happy and healthier life, but it helps break the cycle of unwanted litters of animals in our communities.

• I just want my animal desexed, do I have to get my animal microchipped as part of this campaign?

Yes, SPCA supports responsible pet ownership and believes that microchipping your pet is part of this responsibility.

• My animal is desexed already, can I just get them a vaccination or flea and worm treatment? 

Yes, you can. We have set up a limited number of vaccine clinic appointments for this, which you can book online through our website.

• Is this available to other animals?

This offer is only available for cats and dogs. Livestock, rabbits and farmed animals are not included in this campaign. With limited capacity, SPCA must target species where the need is highest. With most of SPCA’s incoming animals being companion animals such as cats and dogs, we are targeting pet owners in the area to help them get this vital service.

• Is this available to Gisborne?

Unfortunately, this is only available to the East Coast at this stage. Our Gisborne Centre does offer discounted desexing thanks to the Fred Lewis Foundation and we recommend calling our team and they will be able to discuss this with you further.

• Is this offer available in other parts of the country? 

Unfortunately we do not currently have any other mobile desexing campaigns outside of the East Coast. We are hoping to offer more locations throughout New Zealand, so please keep an eye on our national Facebook page for more information. We do run Snip 'n' Chip campaigns in various locations, where cat owners can receive discounted desexing and microchipping. These sell out quickly, so be sure to check our website regularly so that you can make a booking in your area as soon as they become available. You can find the listings over at this page.

If you know someone with a pet that isn’t desexed or microchipped in another region of New Zealand, please encourage them to reach out to their local SPCA or vet who can advise on desexing options in their area.

• Does SPCA offer any other free or discounted veterinary services to the public?

Unfortunately, the SPCA does not offer any other free or discounted veterinary services to the public. Any further treatments or surgeries that your animal may require, over and above the offer we have available, will be at your own cost and will need to be agreed upon with a local veterinarian.

• Why doesn't SPCA have this Caravan running throughout the year?

SPCA is aiming to keep the Desexing Caravan operational as much as possible. To run the Caravan we rely on a mixture of both internal and external Vets and Vet Nurses. There is currently a Veterinary shortage in New Zealand and this makes it very difficult to staff year-round. We are doing our best and hope to have the Caravan desexing as many cats and dogs as we possibly can throughout the year.