Cook Government helping to reduce vet costs for pet owners

• $1.1 million for not-for-profit activities to support the welfare of pets and wildlife
• Animal Welfare Grant Program has helped more than 70 groups in the past three years care for animals across Western Australia

The Cook Government is championing the welfare of pets and wildlife in Western Australia with grants to assist a range of not-for-profit support activities.

Thirty-eight recipients will share in $1.1 million in Animal Welfare Grant Program grants that will help provide free or low-cost veterinary services, support animal rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming companion animals, as well as initiatives that care for displaced or injured wildlife.

The funding boosts the diverse work of community organisations, universities and veterinary centres across the Perth metropolitan area and the regions - from the Kimberley to the South Coast.

Saving Animals from Euthanasia (SAFE) received $50,000 to support its desexing and microchipping program, spanning 11 branches between Broome and Esperance.

SAFE leverages its relationships with veterinary clinics across the State to facilitate these services at a reduced cost for people experiencing hardship.

Another grant recipient is the Ngaanyatjarra Health Service in the Pilbara, which is using its $41,650 grant to assist its veterinary team to provide free veterinary services, including desexing and vaccinations, to rural and remote communities.

In addition, Karlup Animal Sanctuary has been allocated $50,000 to purchase a custom-built wildlife emergency response ambulance and transport trailer to boost its wildlife rescue service.

A total of 72 projects have been funded by the Animal Welfare Grant Program, since its inception in 2021.

For a full list of the latest Animal Welfare Grant Program visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/animal-welfare-grant-program.

Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:

"Cost-of living-pressures have seen an increase in animal surrenders placing more demand on our valuable animal rescue and wildlife rehabilitation services.

"The Animal Welfare Grant Program plays an essential role in supporting the wonderful work of these important not-for-profit organisations throughout the State.

"It was great to meet with the dedicated staff and volunteers of SAFE in Karratha recently, who play an important role in caring for and rehoming rescued and surrendered companion animals across WA.

"I'd also like to thank all the hardworking volunteers who dedicate their time to care for our sick and injured native wildlife."