You live in a currently supported district.
Desexing support
Desexing subsidy eligibility
This subsidy is for dog owners who would otherwise struggle to afford essential veterinary care. Places are limited, so please read the criteria before applying.
i Meeting these criteria does not guarantee approval. Pound Hounds Rescue and the participating veterinary clinic confirm final eligibility.
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Start here
You may be eligible if…
You hold a Community Services Card, can provide proof of financial hardship, or have a referral from Waipā Animal Control.
You personally own the dog you are applying for.
Your dog meets the age, health, and reproductive-health requirements below.
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Service area
Where you need to live
Currently supported Coming soon
Currently supported
✓Waipā District ✓Hamilton City ✓Waitomo District ✓Ōtorohanga District
Planned expansion
PaeroaComing soon RaglanComing soon Te ArohaComing soon
Local veterinary clinics
Care happens at participating clinics across the Waikato. We work with 7+ local vets and will help match you to one nearby.
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The criteria
Requirements for you and your dog
For you
Owner requirements
- You personally own the dog.
- You have a Community Services Card, proof of financial hardship, or a referral from Waipā Animal Control.
- You will use a participating veterinary clinic.
For your dog
Dog requirements
- Male or female and between 6 months and 9 years old.
- In good physical health.
- If female, must not currently be in heat.
- If male, must have fully descended testicles.
If your dog has health issues, please seek assessment or treatment through your own veterinary clinic.
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Included care
What PHR covers
- ✓Desexing surgery
Carried out by a participating veterinary clinic.
- ✓Parvovirus vaccination
Included if your dog is not already vaccinated.
- ✓Microchip implantation
Included if your dog is not already microchipped.
About NZCAR registration
Microchipping is a non-negotiable condition of this subsidy. If your dog is not already microchipped, a microchip will be implanted and registered to you on NZCAR. You cannot opt out.
Your dog will be registered under your name on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR). This is not the same as council dog registration.
If you already have an NZCAR account with incorrect contact details, applying gives PHR permission to update them.
Other treatment costs
PHR covers only the surgery, parvovirus vaccination, and microchip described above. Any other treatment required before or after surgery is the dog owner’s responsibility.
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Programme limits
When the subsidy cannot be used
The subsidy is not available:
- to people who can afford standard retail veterinary prices;
- for dogs you do not personally own;
- for dogs that will be rehomed;
- to dog breeders;
- for purebred or designer-bred dogs;
- where the dog was purchased from a registered breeder, backyard breeder, or another party;
- to rescuers, rescue organisations, or other shelters.
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Please read
Important booking terms
- Veterinary bookings obtained through false or misleading information may be cancelled at Pound Hounds Rescue’s sole discretion.
- All cancelled bookings and missed appointments (no-shows) are non-refundable.
- If you do not attend your veterinary appointment, you cannot reschedule under the same subsidy and will not receive a refund.
- If a subsidy obtained through false or misleading information has already been redeemed, Pound Hounds Rescue may invoice the applicant for the full veterinary costs paid on their behalf.
- Unpaid amounts may be referred for debt collection, including reasonable collection costs.
Ready to apply?
Have your details ready
You will need information about your dog and evidence of how you meet the eligibility criteria.