SPCA’s desexing partnership with Kāinga Ora to help struggling households

With the overpopulation of unwanted companion animals an ongoing problem, specifically in the Northland region, desexing initiatives continue to be a key focus for SPCA.

With tens of thousands of animals coming through SPCA’s doors every year, prevention of unwanted litters is absolutely critical in curbing this problem.

In SPCA’s latest desexing partnership, the charity will cover the cost of desexing surgeries and microchipping for up to 400 dogs and 400 cats for Kāinga Ora customers in the Northland region.

Top Vets will be carrying out the procedures in Kaitaia, and the Mog and Dog Desexing Clinic will carry out the procedures in Whangārei.

“We’re pleased to be able to team up with Kāinga Ora to offer these important services to pet owners who may be struggling,” says Rebecca Dobson, National Desexing Programme Manager at SPCA. “Desexing is vital in bringing down the number of unwanted animals in these communities, and we know cost is often a barrier for pet owners especially during a cost of living crisis.”

“We’re also covering the cost of microchipping, as we believe it’s an important part of responsible pet ownership. Microchipping gives pet owners the best possible chace at being reunited with their families if they’re ever lost,” says Ms Dobson.

It’s hoped that the desexing initiative will help many Kāinga Ora customers who have loving companions, but don’t want to have to worry about potentially ending up with more litters.

“Pets can be great companions and support people’s wellbeing, which is why Kāinga Ora is a pet-friendly landlord and happy to consider applications from customers who want to have pets in their home,'' says Jordan Seymour, Manager Housing and Wellbeing Support for Northland.

“We have a partnership with SPCA because we want to encourage our customers to be responsible pet owners. Getting pets desexed is a responsible thing to do, but the costs can be a barrier for some of our customers because they are living on very low incomes.

“When SPCA approached us about taking part in a campaign aimed at getting more cats and dogs in Northland desexed, we were keen to jump onboard because we know some of our properties do have large numbers of un-desexed cats and dogs.”

Pet owners can learn more about our desexing initiatives on our dedicated desexing website.