wat djerring Animal Facility

Veterinarians are taking measures to protect the safety of cats with the current vaccine shortage. The guidance regarding how to use the available vaccine supply to safeguard the Australian cat population is to prioritise kittens and, if possible, delay adult boosters. Kittens, unvaccinated adult cats, and cats in animal shelters are the most vulnerable to infections and, therefore, in greater need of protection. Veterinarians will prioritise these categories of animals for vaccination.

Speak to your vet for advice.

Traditionally, catteries require all cats to be fully vaccinated before entry. If you plan to board your cat, it's advisable to engage in early discussions with the cattery regarding their specific requirements. Additionally, consult with your veterinarian. In cases where vaccines are unavailable, antibody titre testing may serve as an alternative. Alternatively, consider exploring alternative arrangements such as house-sitters or in-home care.

Delaying revaccination for your adult cats can help the allocation of available vaccines to protect more vulnerable kittens.

Some services at the wat djerring Animal Facility are being impacted. At this point:

• animal adoptions are proceeding as usual and we still have cats and kittens available for adoption
• Some cats and kittens available for adoption will not be fully vaccinated, so we strongly encourage to keep these cats strictly indoors and also encourage new adoptees to reach out to their local vet to book in for a vaccination. The facility will offer boosters shots when vaccines become available
• the Facility is only accepting surrendered cats if they have been fully vaccinated.
• the acceptance of stray cats is still ongoing; however, this is being monitored and is subject to change.
• our cat trapping program has been temporarily paused until we can confirm our next vaccine delivery.

Yes, visit our pet adoption page.

Council’s objectives for the Facility is to:

• achieve the best outcomes possible for the animals in our care
• reunite every animal possible with their owners or find them loving new homes
• reduce the current euthanasia rates

We will continue to review our approach to ensure it is delivering the best outcomes for animals and community.

Veterinary work will be undertaken at the Facility.

This will include but is not limited to vaccination, flea and worm treatment, microchipping and any other treatment that is required while animals are in our care.

The facility will only euthanise animals as a very last resort when this is the most humane option.

A committee has been established which includes experienced staff from each council, the wat djerring Animal Facility Veterinarian and Coordinator. This committee will consider feedback from animal attendants and other relevant staff to determine which unclaimed animals are suitable for rehoming and which are not.

The people on this committee have the expertise and experience to ensure ethical decision making.

The Facility will:

• provide stray, abandoned and surrendered animals with refuge and a new life
• reunite lost pets with their owners
• facilitate adoptions by finding new homes for unowned cats and dogs
• protect animals from cruelty
• promote pet wellbeing
• provide pet adoptions
• provide education regarding responsible pet ownership
• provide veterinary care to animals at the centre

Medical costs of animals at the facility will be the responsibility of Council whilst they are in our care.

A vet will be available to provide health checks, medication and emergency care if required. All animals leaving the facility into the care of rescue groups will be microchipped, vaccinated, flea and worm treated.

The Facility will be run by the City of Whittlesea, partnering with Darebin and Merri-bek councils, who will work closely to ensure pets find their way home. All animals entering the Facility are scanned for a microchip and then each council's animal registration database is checked to help identify the animal and contact its owner.

It is always important to keep your contact details on your pet's microchip up to date so we can reunite beloved pets with their owners as soon as possible.

A lost report register will also be developed, allowing owners to leave their details and upload photos of their pets. This will allow our team at the wat djerring Animal Welfare Facility team to cross reference lost reports to the animals in the facility.

Council will be exploring the option of a volunteer program.

Grants are available to not-for-profit and community organisations who:

• rehome pets
• provide low-cost veterinary services
• provide free or low-cost desexing programs.

Visit - Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program | Community and education | Animal Welfare Victoria | Livestock and animals | Agriculture Victoria