This is due to the extreme cat vaccine shortage occurring worldwide, the shortage has left the shelter with no provision to vaccinate cats and kittens upon entry. Having unvaccinated cats within the facility will lead to risks of outbreaks of respiratory viral disease and feline panleukopenia, which can be fatal and detrimental to the current population of cats currently at the shelter.
Wherever possible, residents are encouraged to consider alternative options before surrendering unvaccinated, healthy cats. The situation will be closely monitored, and the Ballarat Animal Shelter will resume normal procedures as soon as it is safe to do so.