Struggling pet owners in the City of Gosnells can access free supplies and support at an RSPCA WA community action day in May, as rising living costs limit their ability to care for animals.
The event, the seventh this year, will be held at Maddington Community Centre. Services include free health checks for dogs and puppies by South Metropolitan TAFE staff and students, free microchipping for dogs (excluding litters or breeders), and free pet food, flea and worming treatments for dogs and cats.
City rangers and dog behaviour specialists will offer advice on responsible pet care and training. The RSPCA WA plans to more than double its free community days across the state in 2026, following increased reports of cruelty and neglect.
The organisation received 412 cruelty reports from Gosnells suburbs last financial year, a nearly 5% yearly increase. RSPCA WA chief operating officer Hannah Dreaver said the incidence rate was the fifth highest of all local government areas in Western Australia.
“We know a lot of the issues being reported are the result of financial pressure – people struggling to pay for food, vet care and parasite prevention – and fuel costs are compounding that,” she said. “Our community days offering free support are designed to ease some pressure on family budgets and help stop small health problems for pets from becoming big and expensive ones.”
Twenty-three community outreach days are planned for 2026, up from 10 in 2025, covering Perth metro and regional areas including the Kimberley and Wheatbelt. The event runs from 1pm to 3pm on Wednesday, May 6, at Maddington. Social, vaccinated dogs on leashes are welcome; unvaccinated puppies must be carried. Cats cannot attend due to welfare concerns, but owners can access free supplies and advice. Registration is online.
