Dogs Trust offers free health checks

Dogs Trust are celebrating World Animal Day on Sunday by offering dogs a thorough check-up, vaccination, neutering, micro-chipping, worming and flea treatment – at no cost.

The trust said it was teaming up with SPCA Malta, the Malta Veterinary Association and Happy Paws to launch ‘Dogs Trust HealthChecks’ for dogs across the island.

Owners across the country receiving any kind of benefits can have their dog neutered, vaccinated, micro-chipped and treated against fleas and worms free of charge for a limited period.

This follows a successful pilot campaign in Valletta earlier this month, that allowed owners on means-tested benefits only to neuter and micro-chip their dogs for €25.

To take advantage of the Dogs Trust HealthChecks offer, owners should call 2142 1140 to register and get their voucher to use at a vet of their choice. The process is easy, efficient and highly beneficial giving the person the opportunity to have their dog living a happier and healthier life.

Dogs Trust campaigns manager Sarah De Cesare said:

"There is a real problem with stray and unwanted dogs in Malta so we’re keen to emphasise to owners the importance of neutering and microchipping their pets.

"Neutering will obviously decrease the number of unwanted litters of puppies and can actually prevent certain cancers and reduce negative behaviours, while microchipping is a safe and effective way of reuniting lost pets with their owners.

"We are very happy to also offer flea treatment, vaccination and de-worming as an added advantage to taking up this unique offer,” she said.

The charity aims to neuter an estimated 35,000 pet and ‘latch key’ dogs in the next five years. ‘Latch key’ dogs are pet dogs allowed to roam the streets unchecked from dawn until dusk, returning for food and shelter in the family home. The government will oversee the neutering of Malta’s 3,000 stray dogs.