Pet desexing
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Desexing requirements
When you register your cat for the first time, it has to be desexed.
While it is not compulsory to desex your dog, if you do desex your dog you receive a substantial reduction in the registration and renewal fees when you register your pet.
You can find out more about cat or dog registration on our Pet registration page.
Why should I have my pet desexed?
Desexing your dog or cat prevents unwanted young being born. Desexing your cat helps reduce the number of stray cats, which protects our native wildlife and habitats. Did you know: one un-desexed female cat and her offspring can produce up to 5,000 cats in seven years?
Desexing your pet can help reduce unwanted behaviours like aggression, roaming or scent marking. A desexed animal also has a lower risk of contracting certain diseases and cancers.
More information on the reasons to desex your pet and responsible pet ownership can be found on the RSPCA website.
Where to have your dog or cat desexed
You can have your dog or cat desexed at:
- any veterinary surgery
- the Lost Dogs Home by calling 8379 4498 You can also find out more on the Lost Dog's Home website.
- Lort Smith Animal Hospital by calling 9328 3021. You can also find out more on the Lort Smith Animal Hospital website.
- Cat Protection Society of Victoria (for cats) by calling 9434 7155. You can also find out more on the Cat Protection Society of Victoria website.
- wat djerring Welfare Facility by calling 8401 6600.
You can find out more information about desexing your dog or cat, including when a puppy or kitten can be desexed, on the RSPCA website. Additional information is also available on the Animal Welfare Victoria website.
Cat desexing program
We are thrilled to re-introduce our Cat Desexing Program, made possible through partnerships with wat djerring Animal Facility, Lost Dogs Home, Cat Protection Society and the Second Chance Animal Rescue.
Your feline friend will also receive microchipping, and free registration for cats that have not yet been registered with council. There is a limit of 2 cats per household to ensure as many people can access the program as possible.
Participating in this program is about safeguarding your beloved cat's health and enhancing their life expectancy whilst also saving you money. By taking advantage of this opportunity, you can save a significant amount on the upfront costs associated with responsible cat ownership. The standard cost of this comprehensive package exceeds $350.
There are options for concession card holders and residents who don't have a concession card. To participate in the program, fill in the form below and the veterinary clinic will contact you to arrange an appointment.
Concession card holders
Concession card holders are eligible to access this program for free and for a limited number of spots. Council may be able to assist with transport for concession card holders if required, please let the vet know if this is required.*
You are eligible for the program if you hold one of the following Commonwealth Issued cards and live in Merri-bek:
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Health Care Card
- Low income Health Care Card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
*Free transport is limited and only applies to concession card holders, please select this option on the booking form if you need help.
Non-concession card holders
We are providing subsidised cat desexing for Merri-bek residents that do not hold a valid concession card at an affordable rate of $50. This also includes microchipping and free registration for cats that have not yet been registered with council. We believe that responsible pet ownership should be accessible to all, and our subsidised program is a testament to our commitment.
Non-concession card holder form