Free Cat Desexing & Registration
Thanks to support from Animal Welfare Victoria (AWV) a free cat desexing, registration and microchip program is being offered to residents of Towong Shire. The programme aims to support people who care for semi-owned and unowned cats and help them take full ownership of these cats.
What is the offer?
The programme is completely free for eligible residents of Towong Shire. This includes:
✅ Free desexing
✅ Free microchipping
✅ Free pet registration (valid from when application is approved for cats already registered or from April 2025 – April 2026 for newly registered cats)
To be eligible, you must be a resident of Towong Shire Council. This offer/funding ends March 2026 or earlier if funds are exhausted prior to this
How do I apply?
Please fill out the form below and hand it into one of our Council offices in Corryong or Tallangatta. If you would like to email it through, please email it to info@towong.vic.gov.au.
Once we receive your enquiry, our Rangers will get in touch with you to assess your eligibility. If you're approved, you'll receive an authority letter from Towong Shire Council, which you can take to the participating local vets for desexing and microchipping.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of desexing?
- Prevents unwanted litters. Desexing helps reduce stray cat populations and eases the burden on local shelters, which often struggle to take care of an overwhelming number of cats and kittens.
- Reduces nuisance behaviours. Desexed cats are less likely to roam, spray or mark territory, show aggression, and attempt to escape.
- Reduces health risks. Early age desexing lowers the risk of certain health problems later in life.
- Improves cat safety. Desexed cats are less likely to wander away from home, reducing their risk of getting lost, being hit by a car, or being injured by other animals or people.
Where can I desex my cat?
The following vets are participating in the Towong Shire Council cat desexing program:
- Corryong Veterinary Services
- Tallangatta Veterinary Clinic
- Walwa Veterinary Practice
What is a semi-owned, and why are they challenging to manage?
Semi-owned cats are fed or provided with other care by people who. do not consider they own them. Semi-owned and unowned cats, often referred to as stray cats, are the most challenging to manage. Unlike owned cats, they lack a consistent, responsible caregivers, leading to numerous issues affecting both the cats and the environments they inhabit.
Why is cat overpopulation a problem?
Cat overpopulation occurs when the number of stray cats grows rapidly due to uncontrolled breeding, often leading to more cats than can be rehomed. This creates challenges in managing their health and welfare.
What should I do if I find a stray cat?
If you find a stray cat, take it to a vet to check if it has an owner. If none is found, consider desexing, microchipping, registering, and giving it a home. If you can't do this, contact your local council for assistance.
