How 300 Dogs — and Their People — Got the Support They Needed. In response to a growing parvovirus outbreak in Christchurch, Dogwatch ran two free community vaccination clinics during July 2025 — but what we saw went far beyond disease prevention.
On Wednesday 23 and Saturday 26 July, the Dogwatch team ran two free vaccination clinics at Eastgate Mall — and the turnout far exceeded what we had expected.
Together with our partners at Kowhai Vet, Avonside Wainoni Vet Clinic and Christchurch City Council Animal Management we vaccinated over 300 dogs needing our help. On Wednesday, we vaccinated 100 dogs. On Saturday, another 200. We also issued 60 vaccination vouchers for dogs who couldn’t be seen on the day — including puppies who were too young, and reactive dogs who would have found the busy environment too overwhelming.
Alongside vaccinations, we microchipped dogs with no formal ID, handed out vet books, provided flea and worm treatments, and distributed food, leads, and pet care packs to those who needed them most. For many, just showing up took courage — and our team was there with practical support, help with paperwork, and a warm welcome.
What we saw went beyond vaccinations
We saw what love looks like in hard times.
🐾 A young dog experienced her very first outing — she’d never left the house or worn a lead before. Staff helped get her kitted out and confidently on her way.
🐾 Some dogs were brought in by neighbours or whānau, showing how care for pets often extends beyond one household.
🐾 A few owners quietly shared concerns about elderly or unwell dogs they couldn’t afford vet care for — our team connected them with support.
🐾 Several dogs arrived with makeshift leads — belts, string, even a shopping trolley — a testament to how far people would go to get help.
🐾 One dog’s condition was so urgent that staff rushed back to Dogwatch to collect extra medication and supplies.
Every person we met came out of love.
But love alone isn’t always enough — especially when times are tough. That’s where we come in.
Dogwatch’s community outreach programme
While most people know us for rescuing and rehoming dogs, there’s another side to our work — one we don’t always talk about, but which has grown steadily over the past few years.
Through our outreach programme, we’re helping dogs stay in loving homes by supporting the people who care for them. That includes:
📞 Offering advice over the phone to owners at breaking point
🦴 Offering food parcels in times of crisis
🎟️ Issuing desexing vouchers to prevent unwanted litters
💬 Supporting people through difficult decisions around vet care, surrender, and housing
🧼 Providing care packs and leads to those sleeping rough or rebuilding their lives
These services are always free — because hardship shouldn’t be a barrier to responsible dog ownership.
Want to help us keep going?
We’d love to do more of this work — and with your support, we can.
Every donation helps us reach the next dog in need, whether that’s with a vaccine, a food parcel, or desexing assistance.
🎥 Watch it in action
Our vaccination drive was featured on Seven Sharp on Wednesday 23 July.
