SPCA extends desexing support for greater impact in high-need communities

Outreach Vouchers are a part of SPCA’s National Desexing Programme, and are designed to streamline the process of issuing desexing vouchers to those who need assistance, in areas with the greatest need.

SPCA covers the costs of desexing, microchipping, and NZCAR registration with these vouchers, and entrusts different organisations to distribute these to pet owners. The process supports a collaborative, community-led approach to reducing unwanted litters, and will be rolled out to wider groups over the coming weeks.

From 5 August 2025, the latest round of Outreach Vouchers will be provided to Kāinga Ora, and to Vetora Galatea Veterinary Clinic.

“Building on our successful launch of Outreach Vouchers with Auckland Council, we’re pleased to be rolling out new campaigns to support other organisations,” says SPCA National Desexing Programme Manager Rebecca Dobson.

“We were able to assist Kāinga Ora with desexing support last year too, and this year we hope to reach more animals and their families. With many facing the ongoing struggles with cost of living, the desexing of pets tends to fall further down the priority list for families doing it tough – SPCA is glad to be able to help where we can.”

There will be an additional 80 desexing vouchers for cats and dogs for Kāinga Ora tenants in Kaitaia, and another 80 for those in Whangārei.

“Getting pets desexed is a responsible thing to do, but the costs can be a barrier for some of our tenants because they are living on low incomes,” says Kāinga Ora Deputy Chief Executive for Auckland and Northland, Caroline Butterworth. “The Outreach Vouchers the SPCA are offering will help to prevent the problems caused by unwanted litters, so we’re very supportive of this initiative.’’

Tenants in Kāinga Ora homes in those areas should reach out directly to their housing manager to enquire about the vouchers.

Vetora Galatea, a veterinary clinic in Murupara, will also receive Outreach Vouchers to give to locals in need.

“Through our partnership last year, Vetora Galatea was able to desex over 170 cats and dogs in quite a short space of time,” says Ms Dobson. “This was an incredible result, and we’re hoping to desex up to 200 this time around. Murupara is a relatively isolated community with high numbers of cats and dogs, so it makes sense to continue targeting this area.”

Staff from Vetora Galatea have noted that the positive impacts from last year’s desexing work is already evident.

“Our team is grateful be part of this amazing programme for our local community,” says Lisa from Vetora Galeta. “This initiative is helping to improve animal welfare and reduce unwanted litters and we are already seeing the positive results. It is wonderful to be part of a programme that is making a real difference for pets and their owners in our area.

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with SPCA, helping our clients and their pets thrive.”

Residents in Murupara who require desexing assistance should reach out to Vetora Galatea directly to enquire about the vouchers.