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.
Desexing FAQs
Here are lots of questions and answers about desexing your pet.
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.
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.
The City of Whittlesea currently has a subsidised desexing program to enable people to have their cats desexed at a heavily subsidised cost of $50 (or free for Pension / Health Care Card holder). The program includes the desexing of the cat, together with microchipping and registration.
Please use the link below to apply for the program and your request will be sent either to the Cat Protection Society or the wat djerring Animal Facility who will be in contact when a spot becomes available.
Apply for subsidised cat desexing program
If you have any questions or need to apply for mandatory desexing, please email us at animal.management@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.
The City of Whittlesea has received a $20,000 grant from Animal Welfare Victoria to deliver a fully funded desexing program for stray cats, cats that aren’t officially owned but rely on local residents for food, shelter, and care.
This program encourages residents to take the next step in caring for these cats by offering:
- free desexing
- microchipping
- one year of free council registration
This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to responsible animal care and reducing the stray cat population in our community.
Eligibility criteria
You can participate in this program if you:
- live in the City of Whittlesea.
- are caring for a stray, semi-owned, unowned or a community cat.
- are willing to either adopt the cat or allow the wat djerring Animal Facility to rehome it.
How the program works
1. Register Your Interest
Fill out our Targeted cat desexing program form to let us know you’re caring for a stray cat and want to be part of the program.
Note: places are limited, and a waitlist may apply.
2. We'll Review Your Submission
Our team will review your application and confirm your eligibility. If the cat is microchipped, we’ll attempt to contact the listed owner and allow one week for a response.
3. Book Your Appointment
Once accepted, we’ll contact you to arrange a veterinary appointment for desexing and microchipping. You'll also receive a one-year council registration for free.
4. Attend the Appointment
You'll need to safely transport the cat to and from the veterinary clinic on the scheduled date.
We can also facilitate pick up and drop off for people who have commute or health issues.
5. Adoption or Rehoming
If you choose to adopt the cat, you’ll officially become its registered owner. If not, we’ll support rehoming through our network of animal care partners.
Apply online
Apply for stray cats free desexing program