Why should I desex my dog or cat?

The Dog & Cat Management Regulations (2017) in South Australia stipulates that dogs and cats must be desexed either before it is 6 months of age or within 28 days after the owner takes possession of the dog or cat.

If you wish to breed your dog or cat, and seek exemption from the above legislation, you must be registered as a breeder with Dogs SA or the Feline Association of South Australia In

In addition to the above, there are many reasons to have your dog or cat spayed or castrated

Having your female puppy or kitten desexed, especially before her first season, decreases the chances of her getting mammary tumours (breast cancer), and eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers. Undesexed female dogs and cats may also develop an infection of the uterus, known as a pyometra, which can be life threatening and requires major surgery.

If a female is in season, it is advisable to wait 6-8 weeks post season before desexing. This is because the blood vessels supplying the uterus and ovaries enlarge and become more friable (easier to rupture), due to hormonal changes. The surgery takes longer and is more dangerous for your dog due to increased risk of bleeding. Due to this, there is also an additional cost surcharge added if your pet is desexed whilst in season.

For male puppies and kittens, castration can reduce behavioural problems such as aggression and roaming. It also decreases the risk of prostate diseases and some tumours. For male cats castration will greatly decrease the strong odour of their urine and reduce urine marking around your home and property.

What is desexing?

Desexing your dog or cat is a surgical day procedure for both females and males.

For females the surgery is called a spey, or ovario-hysterectomy. During this surgery we remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus to the level of the cervix.
In males the surgery is called castration. During this procedure both the testes are removed so they are unable to produce sperm and breed.

When should I have my dog or cat desexed?

We recommend desexing dogs and cats between 4 and 6 months of age although the procedure can be performed any time after this age.