DOGS and cats of all shapes, sizes and breeds queued obediently at Jellicoe Park on Friday morning as the Animal Welfare League NSW mobile vet clinic rolled into Moree.
The NSW Government-funded service offers free animal health checks, micro-chipping and C3 vaccinations for dogs and cats.
The mobile unit is a fully-fitted out B-double truck and trailer which has been purpose-built for visits to regional areas across New South Wales, providing free services to pensioners, low-income earners and communities doing it tough.
The four-hour stopover in Moree was jointly co-ordinated by Jenny Smith, president of the Moree branch of Animal Welfare League NSW.
Vet services manager Tanya McGee said the service has been traveling across NSW for about five years.
“We’re halfway through a three-year grant from the NSW Government, but was operating before that as well,” Tanya said.
“We’ve had the truck the whole time, and the grant has given us the opportunity to really get out there a bit more.
“It was mainly used for a few locations, because it’s very expensive to run, but with the funding, it’s really helped us to get out to the rural areas in New South Wales.
“We try to get to each venue at least every two years – we try to spread the love, as we like to say, and move around and cover as much distance as we can,” she smiled.
The mobile clinic will head west tomorrow, September 28, and set up at Lightning Ridge racecourse between 8am and midday.
“New South Wales is a very big state and there are a lot of areas that do need help,” Tanya said.
“We’re trying to reduce the number of diseases in animals by vaccinating them and, in some select areas, we’re starting desexing programs as well.
“With the way the financial climate is at the moment, many people can’t afford it. There’s a lot of strain on the vets in different areas as well, because there is still a widespread vet shortage.
“We’re here to help pensioners and people who are struggling financially and can’t afford to take their animals to the vet to get vaccinated or to have simple health checks.”
Tanya said the whistle-stops at different towns also offers owners advice and tips about pet welfare, general health and wellbeing.
“This service also offers a bit of education as well, to let people know what to look out for and what really should warrant a vet check,” Tanya said.
“A lot of times we’re picking up things like heart conditions and dental disease, and we’re helping owners who maybe are not aware of this sort of thing. We can refer them to the local vet for further treatment if required.”
Animal Welfare League NSW Moree branch president Jenny Smith said the local organisation was always looking for helpers and volunteers.
A recent membership drive boosted numbers, but there was always room for more, she said.
“We’re like a new branch, and hopefully we’ll get up and running with more carers and more volunteers – we desperately need carers,” Jenny said.
“Also, we’ll have the vouchers up and running again soon. We’ll be able to give those out to pensioners and low-income earners and that will enable them to get animals desexed locally.”
In the meantime, the local branch is calling out for more helpers.
“We have got more volunteers, which is very good, but no foster carers at the moment,” Jenny said.
“I’ve got one dog-carer and an occasional cat-carer, but I’m basically it for cats. We’re always seeking people who can donate a bit of time to help look after and rehome these animals.”
Interested?
Give Jenny Smith a call on 0427 695584.
