KEEPING on top of a pet’s health and legal requirements can be overwhelming for many owners, but a new community initiative aims to make it easier.
Nambucca Valley Council has partnered with Midcoast Vets to deliver a Pet Care Day in Macksville on Wednesday 1 April, offering discounted vaccinations, health checks and helpful information for local pet owners.
Nambucca Valley Council General Manager Bede Spannagle said the day was designed to support residents, particularly concession card holders, in meeting their responsibilities.
“A pet’s needs and a pet owner’s responsibilities under the Companions Animals Act 1998 are quite intricate so, to support concession-card holders and locals, we are jointly delivering a Pet Care Day in Macksville on Wednesday 1 April 2026 ,” he said.
“Council Rangers will be available to check if your dog or cat has a microchip inserted, as required by regulation, and check whether your contact details attached to the chip are correct. If your dog or cat is not microchipped, you can book in for a free appointment on 1 April and get your pet microchipped for free.”
Veterinarian Patrick O’Donoghue will also be available on the day, offering discounted basic health checks for dogs.
“For a heavily discounted fee of $40.00, concession card holders can book their dog in for a health check and vaccination,” Mr O’Donoghue said.
“To secure your place, please contact Macksville Vet Clinic to book in and pay prior to 1 April.
“The vaccination will help to protect dogs against parvovirus, distemper virus, and hepatitis.”
Pet Care Day will be held at Macksville Vet Clinic, 19 River Street, Macksville, from 9am.
Residents can contact the clinic to book a $40 health check and vaccination for their dog by registering their attendance, paying prior to the event and attending at their allocated appointment time.
Those wishing to check if their pet is microchipped can drop in to the clinic carpark from 9am on the day, while bookings can also be made for free microchipping appointments.
The event will also include giveaways and information for pet owners, with organisers encouraging attendees to ensure dogs are kept on leads and cats are transported in secure carriers.
By Mick Birtles
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