Alerts

  • We are calling some owners to follow up on their pet registration status. If you haven’t registered your pet yet, please register it online. If you no longer have the pet anymore please call or email us. You can contact us on 9240 1111 to update your details.

Pet desexing

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:

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.

New Cat Desexing Program arrives in Merri-bek

We’re partnering with the Lost Dogs Home, Cat Protection Society and wat djerring Animal Facility to offer the Merri-bek community an affordable and accessible new Cat Desexing Program.

The program is designed to improve the well-being of cats and the community. 

Desexing your cat through the new program will:

  • keep your cat safer (it will be less likely to roam)
  • save you money (see reduced costs below)
  • increase your pet’s life expectancy (desexed cats are less likely to get sick)

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 is up to $300.

We’ve reduced these fees to:
Concession card holders: FREE (limited spots available)

Non-concession card holders: $50

Act fast, as there are only a limited number of spots that we have available. Your cat will also be microchipped and registered for free (for those not already registered with Council)

Note: There is a limit of 2 cats per household to ensure as many people can access the program.

Further details

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

We will require a $20 deposit which will be refunded back to you at the appointment. No shows will forfeit this deposit.

*Free transport is limited and only applies to concession card holders, please select this option on the booking form if you require assistance.

Concession card owners

Non-concession card holders

We are also providing subsidised cat desexing for Merri-bek residents who do not hold a valid concession card at an affordable rate of a non-refundable $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.

To participate in the program, select the correct form and fill in your details, the veterinary clinic will contact you to arrange an appointment. 

Non-concession owners 

Upcoming Vaccine Clinic in Partnership with RSPCA

Join us for two pop up clinics in Merri-bek for a special event in collaboration with RSPCA. We are excited to bring you our upcoming vaccine clinic, a unique opportunity to get your cat microchipped and your dog vaccinated and microchipped.

Event details:

  • Date and location: Thursday 23 November at Fawkner Senior Citizens Centre, Fawkner from 9.30am-4:30pm and Wednesday 13 December at Fleming Park Hall, Brunswick from 9.30am-4.30pm. 

What to look forward to:

  • Vaccine clinic with RSPCA: RSPCA will be providing essential vaccines for dogs (Please note, that due to a global-wide shortage, cat vaccines will not be available during this event) and welfare checks for $50. This is by appointment only so please register on the RSPCA’s website with the below links. 
  • FREE microchipping and registrations: Our dedicated Animal Management Officers will be on-site to provide complimentary microchipping and registrations (these registrations will be valid until 10 April 2024) for both cats and dogs that are not currently registered. This is a great opportunity to ensure the safety and well-being of your pets. This is on a walk-in basis and only valid for Merri-bek City Council residents.

Meet our AMOs:

In addition to these services, this event is an excellent chance to meet and interact with our Animal Management Officers. You can ask them any questions you may have about animal management in Merri-bek, gain valuable insights, and discover the resources available to support responsible pet ownership in our community.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to enhance the health and happiness of your beloved pets and to connect with the team that keeps Merri-bek a pet-friendly community.

Fleming Park Hall, Brunswick - RSPCA Pet Vaccination Event at Fleming Park Hall | Humanitix