City of Palmerston’s discounted desexing and microchipping program has returned to support responsible pet ownership whilst actively reducing the population of unwanted, stray and abandoned animals in the community.

Palmerston residents can arrange to have their dog or cat desexed, microchipped and registered for just $10, during December 2023. Through subsidising the costs of desexing and microchipping, this program provides an opportunity to community members to access these services for their pets.

City of Palmerston’s Pound and supporting animal shelters across the NT are, in many cases, operating at full capacity. The over-population of unwanted, stray or abandoned animals can unfortunately result in animals being euthanised.

City of Palmerston Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell is pleased the program is being offered again this year, following its success in previous years.

“The program has been popular with Palmerston residents, with over 100 of their pets desexed and microchipped in each of the past two years,” said Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell.

“This time of year, with Christmas around the corner, we see some puppies being gifted and later ending up in our pound facility. Bringing a new pet into your family is a decision that shouldn’t be made lightly and requires years of commitment to follow.

“Whether you take advantage of our $10 desexing and microchipping program, or choose to use your own vet, we encourage everyone to have their dogs or cats desexed and microchipped,” she said.

Following the opening of bookings for the latest discounted desexing and microchipping program, a high volume of enquiries was received from residents, with Council working through the extensive waitlist as of 5 December. 

For further information on animal services, please contact the Regulatory Services Team on 8935 9977 or email palmerston@palmerston.nt.gov.au

-ENDS-

Media contact: 08 8935 9922 or media@palmerston.nt.gov.au