Norlane Community Centre is helping to create links between under-resourced pet owners and services that can help them care for their animals.
The Paws for Wellbeing project received funding from the City of Greater Geelong to help pet owners plan for caring for their animals, including regular vet checks and de-sexing for cats and dogs. It will include informal meetings with owners to determine what they know, what they need to know and where they can go to get help.
Norlane Community Centre Co-ordinator Esther Koning-Oakes said the need to help pet owners became clear when the centre hosted a free vet check and de-sexing day in conjunction with the RSPCA.
“The swift uptake of bookings and the many inquiries we received showed just how much help some pet owners need,” Esther said. “We were then driven to come up with a plan to hold another event that will reduce the barriers, including cost, of healthcare for pets.”
“We know how important pets are to their owners and the role they play in well-being and mental health. Our project is also aimed at creating a network for owners in our community who can work together to come up with solutions to accessing resources for their pets.”
More information about the dates and times of activities will be promoted by Norlane Community Centre through its Facebook page in early 2025. For more information call the centre, phone 5275-8124.