Shepparton Fix-A-Friend Cats and Dogs 11th November

FAQs

• Why does my female dog have to be 4+ weeks out from her heat cycle to be desexed?

  Dogs are typically required to be around 4-12 weeks past the end of their heat cycle before being desexed to ensure the procedure is as safe as possible. During and shortly after a heat cycle, the reproductive organs are enlarged and have an increased blood supply, which raises the risk of bleeding during surgery. The surrounding tissues can also be more swollen and fragile, making the procedure more complex.
  
  Allowing approximately up to 12 weeks gives the body time to return to its normal state, reducing surgical risks and supporting a smoother recovery. Overall, waiting ensures the procedure is safer, more straightforward for the veterinarian, and more comfortable for the dog.

• Where do i go for the event?

  All clinic instructions will be included in the event information, as well as in reminder emails sent one week prior to the procedure.
  

  Please note that this event will be held across two separate days, so be sure to double-check your ticket for your confirmed booking date:

  • Wednesday 4th November – Mooroopna Veterinary Practice

  • Wednesday 11th November – Mooroopna Veterinary Practice

  Address:
  71 Echuca Rd, Mooroopna VIC 3629

• Fasting instructions

  Food: Withhold food after 10 pm the night before surgery. Dinner is fine; no breakfast on the day.
  Water: Can be given overnight but must be removed the morning of surgery.
  
  Toileting:

  • Cats: Keep inside overnight with access to a litter tray.

  • Dogs: Take for an early morning toilet walk on a lead before the appointment.

• When can i pick my animal up?

  The clinic may provide you with a tentative pick-up time during admission. If not, they will contact you once your animal has recovered, had a small snack, and has been to the toilet.

  
  Once your pet is awake and alert, clinic staff will confirm a suitable pick-up time.

  
  During discharge, staff will go through all post-operative care instructions with you. Please ensure these are followed carefully, as not adhering to instructions may lead to post-operative complications.

  
  Please note that this is a bulk desexing day, with 15+ animals scheduled. As a result, discharge times will vary and are expected to be from 2:00pm onwards.

• What is included in the price?

  If you are booking a dog for desexing, the cost is $175 and includes desexing and microchipping. Vaccinations are an additional $45 and must be paid for at the time of booking.

  If you are booking a cat for desexing, the cost is $75 and includes desexing and microchipping. Vaccinations are an additional $45 and must also be paid for at the time of booking
  

  Please note that vaccinations must be purchased with your ticket at the time of booking, and we are unable to add or change this on the day of the appointment.

• I can't find my booking details?

  We send booking reminders 7 days and 1 day before the event. Your confirmation email will also include your ticket and admission time. Please also check your spam or junk folder.

  If you are still unsure, please email vet@petsofthehomeless.org.au

• How many pets can I book in?

  Fix-A-Friend has a lifetime limit of two pets per household so we can help as many people as possible. Additional bookings aren’t available, and the program does not support breeders or rescue organisations.

• Can I get a refund or change my booking date?

  No — refunds aren’t available for change of mind or non-attendance, and bookings cannot be moved to another date. A refund will be issued only if the attending vet or clinic staff deem your pet unfit for surgery on the day.

• The event I want is sold out. Can I book my pet for another time?

  Unfortunately not. Fix-A-Friend is funded entirely through our fundraising efforts and does not receive ongoing funding. Once all allocated places for the year have been filled, we’re unable to add additional spots or offer alternative dates.

• Eligibility criteria

  To be eligible for Fix-A-Friend, you must:

  ·       Live in Victoria

  ·       Hold a valid Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card

  ·       Be booking for a personal pet (not for a breeder or rescue organisation)

  ·       Meet the lifetime limit of two pets per household

  Eligibility is checked as part of the booking process.

• Are there any requirements my pet must meet?

  Dogs

  ·       Must be over 6months of age

  ·       Male dogs must have both testes descended

  ·       Female dogs must be at least 12 weeks since their last heat cycle and not pregnant

  ·       Female dogs who are feeding puppies cannot be desexed until the puppies are fully weaned. puppies can be weaned from 8 weeks of age. Please ensure all puppies are eating independently before booking your dog's desexing

  ·        

  Cats

  ·       Must weigh at least 1kg (usually 10 weeks of age or older)

  ·       Female cats who are feeding kittens cannot be desexed until the kittens are fully weaned. Kittens can be weaned from 8 weeks of age. Please ensure all kittens are eating independently before booking your cat’s desexing

• Risk and complications/Pre-anaesthetic blood tests

  All anaesthesia and surgical procedures carry some risk, including the possibility of unforeseen complications or, in rare cases, loss of life. Risks may be higher for older animals, those with pre-existing medical conditions, or undiagnosed illness.
  
  Pre-anaesthetic blood tests help reduce risk by identifying underlying health issues that may not be obvious but could affect surgery. As part of our low-cost desexing service, we offer pre-anaesthetic blood tests for pets aged 8 years and over at no additional cost. 
  
  If complications occur after surgery, further treatment is not covered and will be at the owner’s expense. Following all post-operative care instructions closely can help minimise the risk of complications.