Desexing your pet
Desexing your pet
As a responsible pet owner, you’ll need to desex your cat or dog if you don’t intend to breed them. It helps prevent unwanted puppies or kittens that may end up as strays if they can't be rehomed.
Mandatory cat desexing
To enhance cat welfare and safety in the City of Whittlesea and foster a harmonious environment for pets, people, and other animals, mandatory desexing for newly registered cats was introduced on August 1, 2023.
All cats that are newly registered in the City of Whittlesea must be desexed.
Out of the 7,832 cats currently registered here, 95% have already been desexed.
If you have any questions or need to apply for mandatory desexing, please email us at animal.management.vic.gov.au.
Support from the Cat Protection Society of Victoria
Over in Greensborough, the Cat Protection Society of Victoria (CPSV) has launched the Last Litter Program, thanks to donor support. This initiative offers free desexing for female cats if the owner agrees to let CPSV rehome the kittens. The program aims to reduce unwanted breeding and helps manage cat overpopulation.
Stay informed and involved to help us create a safe and suistanable environment for our feline friends.
Desexing FAQs
Here are lots of questions and answers about desexing your pet.
If you have any further questions, contact your local vet or contact us:
Email: animalmanagement@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Phone: 03 9217 2170 and ask to speak with the Animal Management team.
At what age should desexing be done?
Both dogs and cats can be desexed from 3 months old.
Is early desexing harmful to my pet?
No, reports suggest that the health benefits of early age desexing far outweigh any possible side effects of early age desexing.
Please seek advice from your veterinary practitioner if you have any concerns or questions about your pet.
What does desexing involve?
Desexing involves the removal of reproductive organs.
That means removing the uterus and ovaries of female pets, and removing the testicles of male pets.
How can desexing benefit my pet?
- It can help prevent some health problems.
- Pets that are desexed are less likely to roam or get into fights.
- Reduces anti-social behaviour such as aggression and urine marking.
- You might save money on vet bills for problems that are more common in pets that aren't desexed.
How does desexing my pet benefit the community?
- Desexing your cat will help to address the overpopulation of cats within the City of Whittlesea.
- Desexed cats and dogs are both less likely to roam, curbing nuisance complaints.
- Decreases the dumping of unwanted animals in the community.
Are there any exemptions to mandatory cat desexing?
- If you are a registered breeder or a member of an applicable organisation you are exempt from mandatory desexing.
- If your cat is subject to written medical advice from a vet that desexing would be harmful to its health.
What is the cost of desexing my pet?
- Cat desexing starts from $150, but does vary according to sex, age and other factors.
- Check with your veterinarian for the cost of desexing your dog.