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Why is it so important to desex your pet?

Cats can start breeding as early as four months of age. Dogs reach sexual maturity around seven to 12 months of age, although this can vary depending on the breed. Desexing your pets will not only prevent these unwanted pregnancies but there are also many health and behavioural benefits to getting your pet desexed.

As always, it’s a good idea to chat with your vet before going ahead with any procedure. This is because the recommended age for desexing can be different depending on the species and the breed of your pet.

Desexing your pet is the law in South Australia

Desexing is compulsory in South Australia for all dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018. Cats and dogs have to be desexed by the age of 6 months, or within 28 days of when you take possession of a new animal. It does not apply to dogs and cats born before 1 July 2018 and exemptions are available for working dogs and animals belonging to breeders registered with the Dog and Cat Management Board.

As we mentioned earlier, be sure to chat with your vet to determine the right course of action for your pet.

Desexing your pet is one of the best things you can do for its happiness and health.


Desexing your pet can be beneficial for its health

There are many health and behavioral benefits to desexing your pet.

Desexing your pets eliminates the risk of testicular cancer in males and diseases of the ovaries and uterus in females.

It can also reduce the likelihood of female pets developing mammary tumours and male pets suffering from diseases of the prostate.

Undesexed cats and dogs are also more likely to roam.

Desexing your pet can prevent problematic behavior

Animals that aren’t desexed can exhibit certain behaviours that can cause problems down the track.

Undesexed pets that are allowed to roam may get into fights with other animals, putting them at risk not only of physical injuries but also contracting infectious diseases, such Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) in cats.

On top of that, desexing your pets will stop calling behaviour in females and reduce spraying in males, which often causes problems in the neighbourhood.

Pets that are desexed are far less likely to display problematic behaviour, like aggression towards other animals.


Whether your cats is desexed or not, we recommend keeping them indoors to keep them safe. Check out our blog to find out how you can successfully transition your cat from being an outdoor one to an indoor one.

Desexing your pet will help control the number of strays in the community

More desexed animals in the community means less abandoned or unwanted animals in animal shelters like Animal Welfare League.

Desexing your pet will help control the stray animal population in the community – it’s currently the only effective and permanent method of preventing breeding.

As you can see, desexing your pet is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Take the Pledge to desex your pet today.

Take the Pledge!

Animal Welfare League

Animal Welfare League of South Australia Inc (AWL) brings together lost and abandoned pets and caring humans to create happy homes where everyone feels loved.

Contact
Animal Care Centre
1-19 Cormack Road,
Wingfield SA 5013
10am - 3pm
Tuesday - Sunday

Edinburgh North Shelter
4 Hewittson Road
Edinburgh North SA 5113
10am - 3pm
Tuesday - Sunday
P: 08 8348 1300
E: support@awl.org.au
Pet adoption
Cat adoption
Dog adoption
Rabbit adoption
Frequently asked questions
Find a vet
Help us help animals
Donate online
Sponsor a pet
Donate items
Leave a legacy to animals in need
Do your own fundraising
Buy lottery tickets
Volunteer with our team
Become a foster carer
Animal welfare education
Pet boarding
Make an enquiry
Cat boarding
Dog boarding
Boarding services menu
House rules
Pet daycations
Terms and conditions
Pet cremations
Make an enquiry
Remembering your pet
Bringing them home
Equine cremation
Volunteer with our team
Frequently asked questions
Find a vet
Op shops
Our locations
Donate items
Volunteer with our team
I've lost my pet
Hints and tips
Submit a lost pet report
List of found pets
List of pets found by councils
Lost pets noticeboard
I've found an animal
Lost pets noticeboard
I've found a cat
I've found a dog
Rehome my pet
Rehome your cat
Rehome your dog
Rehome your rabbit
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08 8348 1300
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