Does Pet Insurance Cover Desexing?

Find out exactly what pet insurance does and doesn’t cover including whether it covers desexing your pet right here with Savvy.  

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, updated on August 31st, 2023       

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Desexed pet

A common question that many pet owners ask is whether pet insurance covers the cost of desexing an animal. This is a particularly relevant question since many local councils in Australia have now passed legislation that requires all pets which are not to be used for breeding purposes to be spayed or neutered. However, the cost to desex a cat or dog can be several hundred dollars, which is where pet insurance becomes very important. Find out all you need to know about what pet insurance covers and doesn’t cover right here with Savvy.  

Does pet insurance cover the cost of desexing?

The cost of desexing an animal is typically included in comprehensive pet insurance policies that offer routine care as part of their coverage. However, desexing is not usually included in insurance policies that offer only accident cover, or accident and illness cover.

In Australia there are three main types of pet insurance:

  • Accident-only: These plans cover costs related to accidental injuries, but usually do not include desexing.
  • Accident and illness: These policies cover both accidental injuries and illnesses, and cost a little more than accident only policies, but desexing may still not be part of the coverage.
  • Comprehensive: These comprehensive policies usually cover everything mentioned above and may also include routine care, which often does cover the cost of desexing your pet. Routine care can also cover regular check-ups, vaccinations and dental care.

However, even if the insurance policy you choose does cover the cost of desexing your pet, there may still be limitations on how much the policy will pay out, which means you may still have to cover some of the costs of the operation. For example, cover may be included for desexing, but may be limited to a maximum of $50 – $150 payout for desexing.

To find out if pet insurance does cover desexing, carefully read the policy's terms and conditions. Be sure to look for any information about exclusions, excesses, and annual limits related to desexing coverage.

What does desexing involve?

Desexing is the common name for an operation that removes the reproductive organs of a dog or cat to prevent unwanted litters from being born. The correct name for the operation is spaying (ovariohysterectomy) for females, and neutering (castration) for males. 

It is a common and safe procedure that helps control unwanted kittens and puppies from being born, and so keeps the pet population in check. However, it also has several health benefits for the pet.

Spaying (for females)

Spaying involves an operation to remove both the uterus and ovaries. The procedure is:

  1. Anesthesia: The female pet is given anesthesia to ensure she is unconscious and doesn't feel any pain during the surgery.
  2. Incision and removal: A small incision is made in the abdomen, typically just below the belly button. Through this incision the vet carefully removes both the uterus and ovaries. This prevents the female from becoming pregnant, and also eliminates heat cycles.
  3. Closure and recovery: The incision is closed with stitches or surgical glue. After waking up from anesthesia, the pet is monitored for a few hours during the recovery period. She is kept warm and comfortable, and the incision site is checked for any signs of infection. Female pets who have been desexed are usually allowed home the same day of the surgery. 

Neutering (for males)

Castration involves similar steps as for spaying, but in this case the incision is made in the scrotum of a male dog. Through this incision the vet removes both testicles, which will prevent the male from reproducing. The incision is then closed with glue or stitches and the animal kept warm until it comes around from the anaesthesia. 

Following a desexing operation, the pet may have to wear a surgical collar for 7 – 10 days to prevent it from licking or biting its stitches or operation site, and potentially reopening the wound or introducing an infection. Pets usually recover quickly after desexing, but need to be kept quiet and warm for the first 24 hours after their operation.

How much does desexing usually cost?

Desexing is usually cheaper for male pets, and it is cheaper for cats than for dogs. It is usually carried out before a dog is six months old, and prior to a cat reaching four months of age. Desexing can safely be carried out as soon as a pet reaches 12 weeks of age.

On average, you can expect to pay:

  • Cats: Desexing a cat usually costs between $120 and $300.
  • Dogs: The cost for dogs can range from $200 to $500 or more. 

What are the benefits of desexing my pet?

What are the benefits of desexing my pet?

Desexing your pet offers several important benefits:

  • Population control: Desexing prevents unwanted litters of puppies or kittens from being born, helping to reduce animal suffering and the number of homeless or stray cats and dogs.
  • Behavioural improvement: Neutered males tend to be less aggressive and less likely to roam, reducing the risk of fights, accidents, and getting lost. It will usually stop male dogs and cats from ‘humping’ other pets, humans or objects. Spayed females won't go into heat, eliminating restlessness and moody behaviour.
  • Health benefits: Desexing will reduce the risk of your pet developing certain cancers and infections. For example, neutering can prevent testicular cancer in males, while spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infections and reduces the risk of mammary tumours in females.
  • Longer lifespan: Desexed pets often live longer, healthier lives due to the reduced risk of disease and injuries. On average, a desexed pet will live at least one to two years longer than one who is not sterilised.

Frequently asked questions about desexing pets

Is desexing mandatory for dogs and cats in Australia?

Regulations about desexing pets vary according to which state or territory you live in. It is not mandatory in NSW, VIC, QLD or the NT. It is mandatory for cats and dogs over six months of age in SA. In WA and TAS, it is mandatory for cats over six months of age, but not for dogs. In the ACT it’s mandatory for dogs from six months, and for cats from three months old. 

Will my pet gain weight after desexing?

There can be a tendency for pets to gain weight after desexing due to hormonal changes. When an animal is desexed, its metabolism may slow down, making it more susceptible to weight gain. However, this is not an inevitable outcome. With a balanced diet and regular exercise, you can manage your pet's weight effectively after it’s been desexed.. 

Are there any health risks to desexing?

There can be minor risks associated with any invasive procedure. This is because anaesthesia and surgery is involved, and like any surgery, desexing carries a small risk of complications such as infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, or suturing issues. However, the overall health benefits of desexing typically outweigh these potential risks. 

Can desexing be reversed if I decide to breed my pet?

No, desexing is a permanent procedure that renders the animal sterile. Once a pet is desexed, their reproductive organs are removed or rendered non-functional, making breeding impossible. It's essential to understand that desexing is irreversible, so if breeding is a future consideration, it's best to delay or reconsider the desexing procedure. 

Compare pet insurance

Looking into pet insurance for your beloved furry friend? Whether you have a playful pup or a curious cat, you can compare pet insurance options from a range of providers and find the perfect coverage that suits your pet's unique needs and your budget. 

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site-logos Petsy Top Cover

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More details

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