PAWS and effect: Taya Mulholland and Nadine Williams dress up Cindy and Buddy to promote the hospital casual day fundraiser. Picture: Tommy Ritchie 52125
Andrew Mathieson
AN ANIMAL welfare group is raising money to build a Geelong pet hospital promising to cut the cost of veterinary services.
People and Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) said its hospital would provide services including mobile vaccinations and microchipping, animal transportation and surgery.
The not-for-profit organisation has bought a block for the $1 million hospital.
PAWS has invited about 40 schools in the region and several Geelong businesses to participate in a casual dress day on September 3 as a fundraiser for the campaign.
Geelong PAWS board director and fundraiser Nadine Williams said the hospital would benefit pet owners struggling to pay everyday household bills and inevitable veterinary costs.
“There are obviously problems for some people with financial difficulties and they can’t afford this basic care,” she said.
“We might be able to help that a little bit and take pressure off some families. We want to be able to say there is a place you can go.”
Mrs Williams said cheaper fees would prevent owners having pets put down for illnesses that were sometimes as simple as untreated skin allergies.
Some clinics failed to understand why pet owners let minor problems develop into life-threatening illness for their pets, she said
“But we’re very sympathetic and aware of a lot of different circumstances in the real world.”
Mrs Williams said the hospital would also benefit Geelong through provision of additional training in animal care.
She asked anyone willing to make donation to phone PAWS on 5248 2091 or to email wildendeen@bigpond.com.
