"500 plus" went on the dog and the cat. See conditions

In many Polish cities and municipalities, the action was launched, which evokes immense emotions among the owners of the quadrupeds. Commonly called "500 plus for dog and cat", the initiative attracts crowds of volunteers and letters in offices fill up at a fast rate. However, it is crucial to clarify the key issue immediately: is not a cash benefit transferred to an account. It is simply a form of in-kind support, which can, however, bring savings of respective 100 or even over a 1000 zlotys in the home budget. Local governments offer backing for key veterinary treatments specified as sterilisation, castration and electronic animal chipping. The interest is so large that in any localities the funds allocated for this intent are already exhausted. That means that the velocity of action is crucial. The first, the better – delaying can mean losing a chance for free aid this year.

What is “500 plus per pet”? It's not cash, it's real help.

The main nonsubjective of the programme, implemented by local governments, is to fight animal homelessness and improve their welfare. alternatively of giving the owners cash, cities and municipalities decided on a much more applicable solution – financing or co-financing circumstantial veterinary services. It is wise to guarantee that public funds are utilized as intended.

As part of the programme, dog and cat owners can number on the costs of specified treatments as:

• Sterilization of bitches and kittens: A key treatment to prevent uncontrolled reproduction and reduce the hazard of many diseases, including cancer.
• Castration of dogs and cats: Like sterilization, it reduces homelessness and can besides alleviate behavioral problems specified as aggression and the importance of the site.
• Electronic chipping: An highly crucial procedure for the fast recognition of an animal in the event of its disappearance. The chip is simply a permanent ‘personal proof’ of the pet.
• Vaccinations: In any municipalities, the strategy besides includes backing for compulsory vaccination, specified as rabies.

For many families, it is simply a immense financial relief. The cost of sterilization of a large bitch can scope up to PLN 600-800, and castration of a dog is an expense of PLN 300-500. Thanks to local government support, these key procedures for animal wellness and safety become available to everyone, regardless of the wealth of the portfolio. It's an investment that comes back many times – both on the scale of a single household and the scale of society as a whole.

Who can benefit? Key conditions and required documents

Although programs vary in item depending on the location, there are respective universal conditions that most frequently request to be met to qualify for support. First of all, these initiatives are aimed at residents of the municipality or city. This means that you should be registered there or at least settle taxes locally, which is frequently to be documented.

The most common requirements are:

• Certificate of residence: It is usually required to show an identity card and sometimes a paper confirming the payment of taxes in a given city (e.g. the first page of the PIT).
• Current vaccination: For dogs, it is almost always required to have a current rabies vaccination, confirmed by the entry in the wellness book.
• Age of the animal: Usually, the programs include animals that have reached sexual maturity, which is at least 6 months old. The advanced limit of the age may besides be defined.
• Fulfillment of the application: It is essential to submit an appropriate form available at the municipal office or on its website.

Please note that decide the order of applications. The envelopes are limited and erstwhile exhausted the program is closed until the next edition. That is why it is so crucial to follow the messages of local authorities and act rapidly as shortly as the call is announced. All papers should be prepared in advance to be ready to submit a complete application on the day of the action.

Where does the program work? Review of cities and procedures

The initiative is gaining popularity across Poland, and more local governments are among the cities offering support. It is worth knowing, however, that the rules may vary greatly. Here's how the program works in respective major cities:

Warsaw: In the capital, the action is coordinated by the Environmental Protection Office. Residents can benefit from free chipping, sterilization and castration. The condition is, among others, to check in in Warsaw and have a current vaccination against rabies. The city cooperates with a network of designated veterinary clinics where treatments can be performed.

Kraków: The procedure in Krakow requires a individual visit to the office to submit an application. Interestingly, the sterilisation and castration program is aimed mainly at cat owners. For dogs, the city only funds chipping. Treatments are available to run out of funds in the pool for a given year.

Łódź and Wrocław: These cities have besides been moving akin activities for years, frequently as part of wider animal care programmes. backing covers both sterilisation and chipping, and detailed information and lists of cooperating cabinets are published on the offices' websites.

Katowice: Here the programme is very wide and covers up to 100% coverage of the costs of services. Importantly, not only owner animals are supported, but besides free-living cats, which is highly appreciated by local animal organisations. This is simply a model example of a comprehensive approach to homelessness.

If your town's not on the list, nothing lost. Many smaller municipalities besides carry out akin activities. The best origin of information is website of your city or municipality, environmental or civilian protection tab.

How to apply for funding? Step by step

The procedure for applying for support is usually simple and does not require complicated bureaucracy. To increase your chances of utilizing the program, it is worth to act methodically. This is the universal path:

Step 1: Check the availability of the program in your location. Go to the website of your city or municipality. Search for information under the slogans ‘sterilisation’, ‘chip’, ‘animal care programme’ or ‘prevention of animal homelessness’. You can besides call the appropriate department (e.g. environmental protection).

Step 2: Read the rules carefully. Pay peculiar attention to the deadlines for the selection of applications, the list of papers required and the criteria to be met by both the owner and the animal.

Step 3: Complete the essential documents. Prepare your ID card, your pet wellness book with current vaccinations, and possibly a paper confirming the settlement of taxes in the city. Download and complete the application.

Step 4: Apply as instructed. Depending on the city, the application must be submitted in individual to the office, sent by post or straight to 1 of the veterinary clinics that has a signed contract with the city.

Step 5: decision fast! Remember, the number of seats is limited. The sooner you submit a complete application, the better the chance you'll get the funding. It is worth following local media and authoritative sites so as not to miss the announcement about the start of the next edition of the program.