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.

Free cat desexing program is now closed

The spaces for the Merri-bek free cat desexing program have been exhausted and the program is now closed. If you have previously submitted an application you have a place in the program and will be contacted by the vet when there are available appointments.

Desexing voucher

The Australian Veterinary Association and the Municipal Association of Victoria have notified Council that they will be discontinuing the desexing voucher scheme. All vouchers must be used by 31 December 2022. The Municipal Association of Victoria is looking into different desexing schemes for the future.