Desexing is a common procedure to sterilise your cat or dog, preventing unwanted litters and helping your pet stay healthy. It’s recommended for all cats and dogs and even required in some parts of Australia, so is something you need to plan for when getting a new pet. While it’s not a feature on most pet insurance plans, there may be ways to help you manage the expense.
Does pet insurance cover the cost of desexing?
No, pet insurance doesn’t cover desexing as standard and even most top-tier plans exclude it.
Pet insurance is designed to cover unexpected medical issues such as accidents and illnesses, while desexing is considered an elective procedure – meaning it’s planned rather than required to treat sickness or injury.
Some providers may offer optional routine care packages that can be added to a higher-level policy for an extra premium, allowing you to claim up to a set annual limit for certain preventative items. However, few routine care packages include desexing. Where it is, it’s typically a capped amount that’s unlikely to cover the full cost of the procedure.
Routine care options more commonly cover vaccinations, dental check-ups, flea and worm treatments and certain therapies, rather than surgical procedures such as desexing.
It’s important to check exactly what’s included under your policy, along with any waiting periods and annual limits, before booking the procedure, so you know what you are covered for, if anything.
How much does desexing usually cost?
Desexing costs can vary significantly depending on your pet and where you have the procedure done. The RSPCA estimates the following typical price ranges:
- Dogs: $350 – $650
- Cats: $225 – $400
However, the actual cost depends on your pet’s species, gender and size as well as your vet clinic.
As a general rule:
- Cats are usually cheaper than dogs to desex.
- Desexing a female (spaying) costs more than desexing a male (neutering) as the procedure is more complex.
- Larger dogs cost more due to higher amounts of anaesthetic, medication, surgical supplies and longer operating times.
Can I get help with the cost of desexing my pet?
Yes, even if your cat or dog insurance doesn’t cover it, there are several ways you may be able to access financial assistance or discounted desexing:
- Local council programs: some councils subsidise or, in certain cases, fully cover the cost of desexing for eligible residents. However, funding is often limited and may involve waitlists, so availability varies by area.
- Discounted desexing through participating vets: some veterinary clinics offer desexing vouchers or discounted rates for eligible concession card holders.
- National Desexing Month: every July, veterinary clinics across Australia offer reduced pricing as part of an annual campaign to help prevent overpopulation and euthanasia of unwanted pets.
Many animal shelters desex cats and dogs before adoption, with the cost included in the adoption fee. If you’re adopting, this can significantly reduce upfront veterinary expenses.
You can also check the National Desexing Network’s Desexing Directory to find participating clinics offering low-cost desexing in your area.
What are the benefits of desexing my pet?
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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.
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Behavioural improvement
Neutered males tend to be less aggressive and less likely to roam, reducing the risk of fights and accidents. Spayed females won't go into heat, eliminating restlessness and moody behaviour.
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Longer lifespan
Desexed pets often live longer, healthier lives due to the reduced risk of disease and injuries. On average, a desexed dog will live one to two years longer than one that is not sterilised.
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Population control
Desexing prevents unwanted litters of puppies or kittens from being born, helping to reduce the number of homeless or stray cats and dogs.
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Support for local wildlife
Cats in particular can have a significant impact on Australia’s native wildlife. Desexing your cat can reduce hunting behaviours and control the feline population in the long run.
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Reduce registration fees and avoid fines
Many councils offer reduced pet registration fees if your cat or dog is sterilised. In areas where desexing is legally required, it can also help you avoid fines.
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Long-term savings
While there’s an upfront cost to desex your pet, it can save money over time by lowering the risk of health issues as your pet ages that could cost you more down the line.
Is desexing mandatory for dogs and cats in Australia?
Desexing requirements for cats and dogs vary depending on the state or territory you live in. Local councils may add further regulations. Even where it isn’t legally required, desexing is still strongly recommended to protect your pet’s health and prevent unwanted litters.
The table below outlines the main requirements by state and territory, though it’s always best to check with your local council to confirm the rules in your area:
| State/Territory | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Optional One-off $189 fee for non-desexed dogs over 6 months old |
Optional Annual $99 permit for non-desexed cats over 4 months old |
| VIC | Optional Reduced registration fees for desexed dogs |
Optional Reduced registration fees for desexed cats |
| QLD | Optional Subsidies and rebates available to desex dogs |
Optional Subsidies and rebates available to desex cats |
| SA | Mandatory Dogs must be desexed by 6 months old or within 28 days of ownership if older |
Mandatory Cats must be desexed by 6 months old or within 28 days of ownership if older |
| WA | Optional New laws will require dogs to be sterilised by 2 years old |
Mandatory Cats must be desexed by six months old |
| TAS | Optional Reduced registration fees for desexed dogs |
Mandatory Cats over 4 months old must be desexed |
| NT | Optional Reduced registration fees for desexed dogs |
Optional Reduced registration fees for desexed cats |
| ACT | Mandatory Dogs over 6 months old must be desexed |
Mandatory Cats over 3 months old must be desexed |
Note: Dangerous dogs and restricted dog breeds are required by law to be sterilised, even in areas where desexing is optional.