FREE PET SUPPLIES AND HEALTH CHECKS FOR OWNERS IN NEED

RSPCA WA is offering free help to pet owners in Ellenbrook who may be struggling with cost of living pressures.
On Tuesday 18 April, the animal welfare organisation will be at Coolamon Oval, providing free health checks and microchipping for dogs and puppies, as well as free pet food and flea/tick treatments.
The event, which is supported by City of Swan, will run from 1pm to 3pm and aims to address the high number of cruelty reports received in the area.
Last financial year, RSPCA WA received 648 reports from the City of Swan. Common concerns included underweight dogs and pets not receiving timely vet treatment.
RSPCA WA Executive Manager Animal and Enforcement Operations Hannah Dreaver said, by providing onground support and advice, the RSPCA hoped to address issues before they escalated.
‘If you have any concerns about your pet, or haven’t visited the vet in a while, this is a great opportunity to have them checked over,’ she said.
‘RSPCA WA is bringing over 150kg of pet food, and there will be plenty of hands on deck for health checks, so please come along and take advantage of this free support.’
Last financial year, 544 animals were health-checked and 1787kg of food was handed out at 12 Community Action Day events across WA.
Ms Dreaver said keeping pets and owners together was usually in the best interests of both.
‘Community Action Days aim to take some of the pressure off pet owners who may be going through a tough time or struggling to make ends meet,’ she said.
People are welcome to bring their dogs along to the event (dogs must be socialised, vaccinated and on a leash at all times). Due to welfare concerns, cats are not able to attend, however cat advice, food and parasite treatments are available.
RSPCA WA inspectors, City of Swan rangers, and an RSPCA WA dog trainer will be on hand to answer questions.
The health checks will be conducted by vet staff and students from South Metro TAFE and Murdoch University with support from Vets Beyond Borders.
 Referrals for discounted treatment with South Metropolitan TAFE will also be available on the day. Free dog microchipping is not available for litters or breeders.