The SPCA says it will launch a free vaccination programme to try to stem disease among pets.
The scheme will begin in 2010 from a caravan that has been carrying out free de-sexing operations over the past three years.
But the society eventually wants every SPCA shelter to offer free vaccinations to community card holders.
Chief executive Robyn Kippenberger says a disease such as parvo virus in dogs is particularly virulent and can be passed on very easily.
"While they're diseased they're very highly infectious. I've seen an SPCA lose 25 puppies in a couple of days with parvo virus."
