Please be aware that our Vet Program does not provide an on-call emergency service.
Our Vet Nurse is happy to answer questions via phone if available, or you can leave a message on Kay's mobile 0459 467 217
If your animal is seriously sick or injured and needs urgent attention you may need to seek veterinary treatment in Katherine or Darwin.
The Animal Management Program aims to prevent situations where the socioeconomic circumstances of animal owners result in poorer human and animal health outcomes and the forced mass culling of unwanted or sick animals.
Our Animal Management Program works in partnership with AMRRIC (Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities), the Department of Animal Welfare, the Department of Environmental Health NT, Local Government Association of the NT and local police to optimise the service provided.
What the program offers
- Large scale free desexing program to Territory Housing owners
- Large scale free parasite control program – intestinal worms, ticks and mange control
- Humane euthanasia of sick or unwanted dogs
- Humane removal of dangerous dogs from communities as required
- Parvovirus vaccination incentives for dogs under six (6) months old who are surgically desexed
- Other veterinary services on a fee for service basis
- Training to casually employed Indigenous Animal Management Workers (AMWs)
- Adult, household, and school- based education programs at each veterinary visit
- Expert product advice to shops with follow up education to households once effective products are in store
- A photographic database of every animal in each community that includes ownership and health information
- Accurate program records and evaluation over time. This data is presented to the Local Authority Meetings at least three (3) times per annum
- Partnership with Sunrise Health to collect and collate dog bite data from the clinic to monitor the prevalence of dangerous dogs in the community
Baby Animals Belong in the Bush Animation
To address the concern for baby animals being removed from the wild, Roper Gulf Regional Council’s Animal Management Program has created an animation called ‘Baby Animals Belong in the Bush’ which is available in both English and Kriol.
Baby Animals Belong in the Bush is a fun, kid friendly video that has been created to reinforce the important message about leaving baby animals with their mother to stop serious health risks and problems for both animals and people.
The animation was funded by the Northern Territory Animal Welfare Grant Program and will be shown to local schools as part of the Animal Management Program.
Meet our Vet Team
Kay Doust
Veterinary Nurse/ Animal Program Manager
Kay is our in-house veterinary nurse based in Katherine and is the first point of contact for the Animal Management Program.
Kay spends most of her time travelling out to communities in the region to administer preventative treatments, assess injuries, illnesses and emerging problems that require the attention of a vet. Kay's role also involves planning and organising vet visits and education workshops, working with our vets during surgery and collecting data.
Dr. Sam Phelan
Veterinary Surgeon
Sam is sub-contracted to provide surgical services and veterinary expertise to Roper Gulf Regional Council communities.
Dr Samantha Phelan is a highly skilled veterinary surgeon with invaluable experience working in remote communities. Visiting locum vets are selected according to clinical and surgical experience working in remote communities, shelter settings or private practice.
Vets are accompanied by a veterinary nurse and travel to communities from Katherine to carry out desexing programs and veterinary health checks. Sometimes they will also be accompanied by a vet nurse volunteer or veterinary science students on placements from universities. These visits provide a great opportunity to broaden students experience working in remote settings.
Vet Resources
View the frequently asked questions that our Vet Team hears from pet owners across the region
Our Communities
Roper Gulf Regional Council delivers a wide range of municipal services, community services and programs within one of the most spectacular and remote areas of the Northern Territory