The SPCA’s mobile desexing clinic has made its way to the South Island, offering vital support to remote communities.

Housed in a purpose-built vehicle, the clinic provides free desexing services to ensure animals in hard-to-reach areas receive essential care.

National Desexing Programme Manager Rebecca Dobson said the initiative addresses the root causes of pet overpopulation while reducing pressure on local animal shelters.

“This is where we desex cats and dogs. We go into rural communities or places that need us, and we desex their cats and dogs for free,” Dobson said.

“Everything here is purpose-built. We have a really great surgical table that moves up, down, and sideways, allowing us to better support animals during surgery. There’s a high-tech anaesthetic machine, a modern autoclave for sterilising kits, air conditioning to maintain an optimal surgical temperature for recovery, and even CCTV cameras and alarms for added security.

“We’ve also got hexa caging and plenty of excellent equipment on board. We’re very, very lucky, and the animals are in good hands.”

The clinic offers more than surgeries—it also supports communities with vaccinations, microchipping, flea and worm treatments, and advice for pet owners. “If people have concerns about the health of their dog or cat, we’re here to help,” Dobson said.