In the heart of Melbourne and beyond, Pets of the Homeless (POTH) has been on a mission since 2016, to protect the bond of vulnerable individuals and their beloved pets during times of hardship.
We have awarded a grant of $15,000 to Pets Of The homeless to broaden their already successful Fix-A-Friend Pet Desexing Program to communities in need.
Since its inception, Fix-A-Friend has desexed 315 companion animals over 13 clinics, making a significant impact on the lives of pets and their owners. The program, with its heavily subsidized, low-cost desexing, microchipping, vaccination, and parasite prevention treatments, has proven to be a lifeline for many.
The survey of Fix-A-Friend attendees echoes the success: 64% of pet owners might not have desexed their pets without the program, emphasizing the crucial role it plays in responsible pet ownership. The financial aspect is noteworthy, with 98% stating that cost was a deciding factor in choosing to desex their pets at a Fix-A-Friend Desexing Clinic.
Expanding Horizons in 2024 With an eye on the future, POTH is gearing up to extend its reach into Regional Victoria. Three Fix-A-Friend clinics are slated for Ballarat, Benalla, and Morwell, aiming to desex 300 pets, including 95 dogs in 2024. This expansion responds to the growing need in low socio-economic areas and the desire from clients for more opportunities to desex dogs.
The grant aligns seamlessly with the overarching goal of tackling overpopulation. With more than 53,000 companion animals impounded annually in Victoria, desexing emerges as a critical tool. Beyond reducing unintentional breeding, it offers financial benefits to pet owners, contributes to the health and well-being of pets, and lowers euthanasia rates of abandoned animals.
Pets of the Homeless, through the Fix-A-Friend Pet Desexing Program, is not just changing the lives of pets and their owners—it's shaping a future where responsible pet ownership is accessible to all.
We are very excited to see the program kick off in early February 2024 and will share an update on the impact that it has in the community.
