This program is made possible through the generosity of our community, ensuring that families in need can access essential veterinary care at an affordable cost while promoting the health and wellbeing of their pets.

We are currently accepting applications from residents of the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, and Port Stephens Local Government Areas.

Due to limited program funding, applications will be reviewed and approved based on key priorities and individual circumstances.

Once your application is approved, a one off contribution of $49 for cats and $99 for dogs is required. This includes desexing, microchipping, and vaccination, with The Stay Foundation covering the remaining balance of the veterinary fees.

All other essential veterinary services may be assessed on a case by case basis.

If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with us HERE.

Low Cost Veterinary Care

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Pet Care Benefits

  • Desexing your pet is a crucial step in ensuring their long-term health and wellbeing.

    By spaying or neutering your pet, you reduce the risk of certain cancers and eliminate the potential for life-threatening infections, such as pyometra in female dogs and uterine cancer.

    It also helps prevent unwanted pregnancies, contributing to the fight against pet overpopulation. Desexed pets are often calmer, less aggressive, and less likely to roam, keeping them safer and reducing the risk of injury or accidents.

    With our community desexing program, we aim to make these vital health benefits accessible to everyone, ensuring that pets in our community live healthier, happier lives.

  • Vaccinating your pet—whether they’re a playful puppy or kitten, or a trusted adult dog or cat—is one of the most important ways to protect their health and wellbeing. Vaccines help prevent serious and often life-threatening diseases like parvovirus, distemper, feline flu, panleukopenia, and more, reducing the risk of painful illness, costly treatment, and heartbreak.

    They also help protect other pets and vulnerable animals in the community by reducing the spread of disease.

    Regular vaccinations keep your dog or cat safer, healthier, and able to enjoy a longer, happier life by your side.

  • Microchipping your pet is a simple, permanent way to protect them if they ever become lost, stolen or separated from you.

    Unlike collars or tags that can fall off, a microchip provides a secure, lifelong form of identification that links your pet back to you, so councils, vets and shelters can contact you quickly and safely. It dramatically increases the chances of reunion, reduces stress for both pets and families, and helps keep animals out of shelters.

    Microchipping is quick, safe, affordable and in many areas legally required. Most importantly, it gives you peace of mind knowing your pet always has a way home.

What our community is saying!

  • "We can’t thank you guys Enough for the massive help you guys provided for us"

    Pania (Simba’s Mum)

  • "This fantastic acceptance on the desexing program has allowed me to breathe a little... so I can't thank you enough."

    Candice - (Grey’s Mum)

  • "Thank you kindly for giving us this opportunity to help with Bruce’s desexing. I am beyond grateful."

    Kellie (Bruce’s Mum)

  • "Honestly, thank you so much for everything. Without your program and your help it would have never happened. I will be forever grateful."

    Janice

  • "Thank you so much. Everest had his procedure today is home and resting"

    Sharna (Everest’s Mum)

  • "Thank you so much for helping me with the cost of desexing my sweet cat! You can’t know how much that is really helping!"

    Kristin (King Smudge’s Mum)

  • "Just letting you know Maceys surgery went really well! I appreciate this so much thank you again"

    Macey’s Mum

  • "Bella is recovering well, I can't thank you enough for the support!"

    Tracey (Bella’s Mum)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Once you fill out your application, our team will review, verify, and be in touch within 5 - 7 business days.

    Once approved, you will be emailed a secure link for the program fee payment to lock in your place.

    Once payment is confirmed, our team will contact you within 1 - 2 Business days to organise your pet’s appointment and the appropriate paperwork for the visit.

    You will be REQUIRED to transport your pet for pick up & drop off on the day of the appointment from our VET partner.

    If you are unable to transport your pet please let our team know ASAP.

  • We are open to anyone willing to desex their pet; however, due to limited funding, we will prioritise applications based on

    • Government benefit / Pension Holder

    • Low-income families

    • Key Program Suburbs

    • NDIS

    To be eligible, you must hold a permanent residence inside one of the following LGAs

    • City of Newcastle

    • City of Lake Macquarie

    • Cessnock City Council

    • Port Stephens Council

  • To be eligible for the Low Cost Vet Care Program, you must provide legal identification of your home address and/or current pension card.

  • We believe everyone should have access to preventative & essential pet care.

    We will never turn away a family in need however we operate on limited funding.

    If your application isn’t approved you will be placed on a waiting list for a spot subject to funding.

    We will refer you to other resources should you need to act sooner.

  • The Stay Foundation is unable to microchip or vaccinate puppies through this program, as this is a legal responsibility of the breeder prior to sale, regardless of whether the litter was planned or accidental.

    If your puppy was not microchipped or vaccinated before coming into your ownership, we recommend contacting the breeder to get it done. If the breeder refuses to address this, please contact the RSPCA, who are responsible for enforcing this legislation.

    We will, however, be more than happy to assist with desexing. Please lodge an application form once your puppy is five months of age.

    However, If you have acquired a puppy (Mixed & Bully Breeds prioritised) through circumstance, accidental litter, abandonment or emergency situation please submit the form.