Are you struggling with the cost of owning a dog? Is your dog due their annual vaccinations? We’re teaming up with Kowhai Vet & Avonside Wainoni Vet Clinic to offer free dog vaccinations and microchipping for dogs over the age of 6 months. This is part of our urgent response to a recent surge in parvovirus cases across Canterbury — a highly contagious and often fatal disease. The best way to protect your dog is through vaccination.
📍 Location: Eastgate Mall Carpark (beside Cuba Street)
📅 Dates: Wednesday 23 July & Saturday 26 July
🕙 Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Strictly limited to 100 vaccinations per day – come early to avoid missing out! Vaccinations are for dogs aged 6 months and older If you need help vaccinating a puppy, please speak to our team on the day or contact us directly.
📌 No bookings required – just turn up!
🔔 Please note: This free service is available to Christchurch dog owners in financial need. If you are financially secure, we kindly ask that you do not take advantage of this limited resource.
🕰️ Expect a wait: There may be a wait time to have your dog seen, especially if demand is high.
Please be patient, and remember to treat our staff and the vet care team with kindness and respect. Everyone involved is donating their time and resources to help dogs and people in need.
🛍️ Extra support available on the day
We will also have a supply of the following items for those who need assistance:
- Dog food
- Desexing assistance forms
- Pet essentials (leads, collars, dog jackets, and more)
What to bring:
✔️ Proof of address
✔️ Your vet book (if you have one)
✔️ Any other medical records for your dog
✔️ All dogs must be on a leash — if you don’t have a lead, we’ll provide one
🚫 IMPORTANT – DO NOT ATTEND if your dog is unwell
If your dog has been unwell in the past 48 hours, please do not attend the vaccination drive. This is especially important if they have shown any of the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Bloody diarrhoea
If your dog has experienced any of these symptoms but you were planning to attend, please contact us instead – we will do our best to arrange vaccination support at another time. Questions and queries can be directed to:
📧 info@dogwatch.co.nz | ☎ 03 981 4708
FAQs
What vaccine are you providing?
The vet team will be providing the Nobivac DHPPi vaccine, which offers active immunisation against:
• Distemper
• Infectious canine hepatitis (adenovirus type 1)
• Parvovirus
• Canine cough caused by adenovirus type 2 and parainfluenza
This is a core vaccine recommended for all dogs. It is administered via subcutaneous injection (under the skin). you’d like a receipt, please contact us.
Are you providing boosters?
Yes – if your dog has already received a DHPP vaccine in the past, this vaccination will act as a booster. However, we are providing one-off vaccinations only at this event. Any follow-up boosters will be the responsibility of the dog’s owner.
Why are you only administering 100 vaccinations at each event?
We have gratefully received funding to support this programme, but it is limited, and we can currently offer 200 free vaccinations in total. Kowhai Vet & Avonside Wainoni Vet Clinic are generously donating their time, supported by Ara student vet nurses. While we know we can’t reach every dog in need, this is an important step in helping limit the spread of deadly parvovirus in our community.
Why aren’t you using a booking system?
We want to keep this event as accessible as possible, especially for members of the community who may not have access to online booking systems or who face other barriers to scheduling appointments. A walk-in model ensures a more inclusive approach and allows us to help those who may otherwise miss out.
Why is this event only for dog owners in financial need?
This programme is funded to support those doing it tough, who may be unable to afford routine vet care. If you are financially secure, we kindly ask that you do not take advantage of this limited resource. Let’s make sure it reaches the dogs and families who need it most.
Who is eligible?
Any dog owner in financial need who lives in Christchurch, Rangiora, Selwyn or Waimakariri Districts, and can travel to the event. We will not be asking for proof of financial need or a Community Services Card — we trust our community to be honest about their circumstances. We ask for proof of address so we can record your details for your microchip and Kowhai Vet can keep a record of your vaccination.
How will you manage infection control?
Kowhai Vet has a robust infection control plan in place.
- Dogs will not be allowed to mix.
- Where possible, vaccinations will be done while dogs remain in vehicles.
- Dogwatch staff and volunteers will help manage the flow and ensure the event runs smoothly and safely.
Who will be administering the vaccinations?
Vaccinations will be administered by qualified vet staff from Kowhai Vet & Avonside Wainoni Vet Clinic, supported by Ara student vet nurses.
Who will be microchipping the dogs?
Microchipping will be carried out by trained Dogwatch staff and/or Christchurch City Council Animal Management team.
What do I need to bring?
📄Please bring:
✔️ Proof of address
✔️ Your dog’s vet book (if you have one)
✔️ Any other medical records for your dog
Does my dog need to be leashed?
YES. All dogs must be on a leash. If you arrive without a leash or collar, we will provide one to keep everyone safe.
What if my dog has been sick recently — can I still attend?
If your dog has been unwell in the past 48 hours, particularly with symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, or bloody diarrhoea, please do not attend the event. Instead, get in touch with us and we’ll do our best to arrange an alternative vaccination opportunity once your dog has recovered.
