Veterinary Urban Hygiene and Stray Animals Service (IUVR)

The Departmental Basic Operative Unit for “Veterinary Urban Hygiene and Stray Animals” operates within the Department of Veterinary Prevention.

The activity of the Division is aimed at protecting companion animals welfare, preventing and controlling the phenomenon of stray animals, preventing bites and accidents derived from the cohabitation of persons and animals in domestic environments. Moreover, the Division deals with the implementation of the Dog Register, health education, the assessment and the prevention of health risks related to companion animals population. It performs the following activities:

• implementation of the Dog Register, by monitoring the correct registration of companion animals and performing, in public veterinary clinics, microchip implant operations;
• sterilization of stray dogs and of cats belonging to colonies which are property of Municipalities; realization of specific birth-control plans for privately owned dogs;
• health care for dogs hosted in Healthcare Public Shelters;
• monitoring of animals welfare conditions in public and private shelters;
• health education for a proper human-animal relationship, aimed at school-age population;
• organization, together with Municipalities, of training courses for dog owners, aimed at license issue;
• issue of passports for dogs and cats that are taken outside Italy for travel reasons by owners;
• realization of Pet Therapy activities together with other Sevices of the Provincial Health Authority of Ragusa and monitoring of the Pet Therapy activities which are carried out in other public and/or private facilities;
• Monitoring of commercial enterprises specializing in the farming, trading and custody of companion animals.