RSPCA WA will significantly expand its Community Action Day program in 2026, delivering free pet health checks, dog and cat food, flea and worm treatments, microchipping, and advice for pet owners across WA.
Twenty-three outreach days are locked in or being planned for the year – a significant increase on the 10 held in 2025.
They are designed to help pet owners who may be struggling with the cost of living, housing pressures or access to veterinary care, by addressing small welfare issues before they become serious problems for animals and their families.
RSPCA WA Program Manager Nicola Kelly said the increased schedule reflected growing community need and strong outcomes from previous events.
"Community Action Days are about keeping much-loved pets healthy, comfortable and with the families who care about them," Ms Kelly said.
"By providing free health checks, microchipping, flea and worm treatments, pet food, education, and even practicalities like leads and beds, we can ease pressure on household budgets and help prevent avoidable suffering."
Last financial year, more than 1,450 people attended RSPCA WA Community Action Days where 679 animals were health checked, 132 were microchipped, and almost two tonnes of food and more than 1,000 parasite-control treatments were distributed. Among the attendees were dog owners Danielle, Allan, and Barb and Graham who were surprised and thrilled with the free support they received (stories overleaf).
Events are strategically held in areas of high need identified by high numbers of animal cruelty complaints.
"When you look at the problems RSPCA WA deals with there are definitely patterns - untreated skin conditions, often caused by fleas, that have become chronic; underweight animals; strays with no microchip to identify their owner; and animals surrendered because they've become too much of a handful," Ms Kelly said.
"We can help assist with all of these issues through the support available at Community Action Days."
Already locked in for 2026 are events in Beaconsfield, Heathridge, Mandurah, Kelmscott, Albany, Mount Barker, Maddington, and Karratha. Another 14 are in planning for locations across the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields, South West, Wheatbelt and the Perth metro area.
"Despite the logistical challenges of reaching some locations, especially in regional WA, we are committed to showing up where support is needed most," Ms Kelly said.
"These events simply wouldn't be possible without our volunteers, staff and generous partners including Petbarn Foundation, South Metropolitan TAFE, Vetwest, Vets Beyond Borders, and LGAs across WA."
To see a list of confirmed dates and locations, go to the events page on the RSPCA WA website.
Community Action Day comes just in time for Coconut's plight
Danielle is the loving owner of two King Charles Cavaliers, Peanut and Coconut. Due to a workplace injury, Danielle found herself financially struggling. Still, she prioritised her pooches over her own needs: "I feed my girls before I even feed myself – they are my babies."
A few days before an RSPCA WA Community Action Day in her area, Coconut hurt herself. Danielle had no money for a vet visit, so she anxiously watched Coconut, trying some home remedies.
At the event, one of the volunteer veterinarians examined Coconut and determined she did have localised pain in one of her hips and spine.
"They were wonderful and told me what I needed to do next," Danielle said. "This has been brilliant for me – when I walked up and saw it all I just couldn't believe it."
The event provided Danielle with so much relief, knowing she could get Coconut checked out free-of-cost and right away.
She also took home with her some dog food, flea and tick treatment, and a new lead for Peanut.
Knowledge is power for Allan, Barb and Graham
Allan is a war veteran who had adopted his dog Reggie just a few months before attending his local RSPCA WA Community Action Day.
He said Reggie provided companionship and comfort and he wanted to do his best by him by brushing up on his dog ownership skills as it had been over 20 years since he last had a dog.
As well as practicalities like food and parasite treatment, Community Action Days also provide pet owners the opportunity to speak to dog trainers, RSPCA WA inspectors, and local council rangers.
Retired couple Barb and Graham brought their little mate Leo along to an RSPCA WA Community Action Day because they were worried about his teeth – he'd been chewing on rocks in the garden, and they were concerned he was doing damage.
Leo received a free health check that showed his teeth were fine, and Barb and Graham received some valuable advice from the RSPCA WA behaviour team on how to stop the rock chewing.
As an added bonus, the couple found out they only had to pay $50 for a lifetime registration for Leo with their local council because they are seniors.
