Desexing your pet

If you are not planning to breed from your dog or cat, it is important to have it desexed. 

Thousands of unwanted healthy animals are euthanised (put to sleep) each year in Victoria because not enough homes can be found for them.

In general, pets can be safely desexed from 3 months of age. Talk to your vet about the best age to desex your pet. A vet performs the operation and it is a very straightforward procedure, causing minimal discomfort to your pet.

Why desex your pet?

There are many benefits of desexing dogs and cats:

• Desexed pets can be better behaved and less likely to roam.
• Desexing can prevent pets from getting certain types of cancer. 
• Desexed cats are less likely to yowl at night or spray strong-smelling urine. 

First time registrations

First time registration fees are charged pro rata, so your registration fee will be calculated based on how close to renewal you are. If you register online or in person, your fees will be calculated automatically, otherwise contact Council to find out your pro rata payment. 

Unsterilised dog/cat registration (under 6 months old)

If your dog or cat is less than 6 months old and is not desexed (due to age), a reduced rate applies. For the reduced rate to apply in future years you will need to have your dog/cat desexed and provide the desexing certificate to Council before 10 April. If no certificate is received then registration renewal will be at the full fee. 

Reduced fees

Eligibility criteria for reduced fee on new registrations are that the animal must be desexed, or over 10 years of age, or part of a Domestic Animal Business or applicable organisation (proof must be provided).