‘Pawesome’ chip and vac vouchers

Councillor Ellen Smith

An innovative voucher program for dog microchipping and vaccinations has launched this week thanks to a partnership between Rockhampton Regional Council, Queensland-headquartered national charity Paws For A Purpose (PFAP), and two local vets.

The program will offer eligible residents of the Rockhampton Region heavily discounted vaccinations and microchipping at participating vets.

Councillor Ellen Smith, Chair of Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee, said that these vouchers will make a big difference to a number of people in our community.

“These vaccinations normally cost up to and over $100 each, and dogs require three vaccinations in their first 16 weeks, and a booster every year after that,” said Cr Smith.

“Microchipping is an additional expense again, so the costs can add up very quickly.

“If money is tight, or an expense comes up that people haven’t planned for, vaccinations and microchipping can become a lower priority, and can even slip people’s minds altogether.

“We know, however, that vaccinating is essential for the wellbeing of all dogs in our community, and these vouchers will go a long way in removing a major barrier.

“I really want to thank PFAP for coming to us with this great solution, and local vet clinics Alma Street Veterinary Hospital and Torenbeek Veterinary Clinic for getting on board.”

PFAP Founder and veterinarian Dr Mark Kelman said he believes this program will go a long way in keeping dogs in the Rockhampton Region healthy.

“We’re offering these vouchers for the first time in Australia right here in Rocky, where we aim to vaccinate as many puppies as possible to lessen the Parvo outbreaks we see each year from October to February,” said Dr Kelman.

“In a nation of dog-lovers, so many of us haven’t even heard of Parvo or know just how widespread it is. Parvo strikes 20,000 puppies and dogs every year in Australia – 90 per cent of which are puppies and half of which die.

“We’re all working together under our new Combating Parvovirus Program to make sure those who are doing it tough can still get their puppies and dogs the protection they need from this disease.

“We couldn’t have done this without these amazing veterinary practices, a generous Rockhampton Regional Council subsidy and of course it’s all possible due to the donations we receive and the sale of our very own Paws for A Purpose Premium Beef Treats.”

To apply for the chip and vac vouchers come into any of Council’s Customer Service Centres. If you have any questions, contact Customer Service on 07 4932 9000 or by emailing enquiries@rrc.qld.gov.au.

To find out more about Paws For a Purpose head over to www.pawsforapurpose.org
Program facts:

• The chip and vac voucher program is available to Rockhampton Region residents with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Pension Concession Card, Health Care Card, or on a Newstart allowance.
• The program will run until 31 March 2020 or until vouchers are sold out (Vouchers expire 31 April 2020).
• Microchipping is mandatory for the vaccination program.
• Clients with puppies and dogs in need of multiple vaccinations can be issued with multiple vouchers at one time.

PFAP media contact:
Dr Mark Kelman
+61 417 906 771
mark@pawsforapurpose.org