Cat desexing and microchipping campaign launches in eco-sensitive areas of Auckland

From 4 April 2022, the Snip ‘n’ Chip campaign will allow Auckland residents residing in the following areas to desex their cat for free:

• Māngere
• Ōtuataua
• Whangaparāoa Peninsula

Thanks to Auckland Council, all cat owners living in these areas are eligible and do not require a community services card or gold card for the free desexing. The targeted postcodes are 0930, 0932, 2022 or 2024.

Desexing is one of the key ways to improve animal welfare in New Zealand and an important part of responsible animal ownership. By desexing and microchipping your cat, you can help them lead a happier and healthier life, break the cycle of unwanted litters in our communities, and help protect our native wildlife and threatened species.

“Desexing is one of the best things we can do for animal welfare in New Zealand and thanks to our partnership with Auckland Council, we hope to make a real difference in these communities that are home to many of our threatened native species,” says SPCA CEO Andrea Midgen.

Auckland Council Biosecurity Principal Advisor Dr Imogen Bassett says “We’re really pleased to be able to partner with the SPCA on this initiative. Desexing and microchipping are two of the most important things we can do as responsible pet owners. It’s a win/win for the protection of our threatened species such as dotterels, as well as cat welfare.”

“We also know that the biggest barrier to desexing is cost. The last year has been tough for a lot of families, so it’s important to make sure everyone can afford to do the right thing for their cat and their local wildlife too,” Dr Bassett says.

SPCA encourages all cat owners in the four identified postcodes to take up the limited time offer, as vouchers are only available until vouchers sell out.

Ms Midgen says SPCA and Auckland Council are extremely grateful to the participating vets involved in this campaign. She says they continue to play a huge part in improving animal welfare in Auckland.

“One of the many objectives of these Snip ‘n’ Chip campaigns is to reach out to those people who may not have considered having their pet desexed, or may not be able to afford it, and provide pet owners who do not currently have a local vet to get to know one.”

To book in, please visit https://snipnchip.spca.nz/