Note: Desexing is the term generally used in Australia to refer to any kind of surgical sterilisation that permanently renders an animal incapable of reproducing. However, the legal definition may differ depending on the jurisdiction. The term sterilisation is used here.
Preventing unwanted/unplanned pregnancies through effective reproduction control is an important part of responsible companion animal ownership.
Effective reproduction control can be achieved through sterilisation, which includes all procedures and techniques that render the animal unable to produce offspring (including surgical and non-surgical options).
Surgical sterilisation is an important tool to reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats in the community.
Surgical sterilisation is a routine surgery performed by a qualified veterinarian to prevent breeding and includes:
- Gonadectomy – in which the animal’s reproductive organs (gonads) are removed.
- Gonad sparing sterilisation options – in which the animal’s reproductive organs (gonads) are not removed.
Across different states and territories, there are different laws about desexing cats and dogs. Some states and territories have made it mandatory to desex cats and dogs unless you have a breeding permit (see the table below).
| State/Territory | Is desexing mandatory? | Name of relevant act/special conditions and requirements* |
|---|---|---|
| ACT | Yes | Section 74 of the Domestic Animals Act 2000 makes it an offence to own an undesexed dog over 6 months old or an undesexed cat over 3 months old without a permit. |
| NSW | No | Desexing is not mandatory for cats and dogs under state legislation, although it may be a requirement of some local councils.* |
| NT | No | Desexing is not mandatory for cats and dogs under state legislation, although it may be a requirement of some local councils. |
| QLD | No | Desexing is not mandatory for cats and dogs, although it may be a requirement of some local councils. |
| SA | Yes | From 1 July 2018, Section 42E of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 and the Dog and Cat Management Regulations 2017 make it an offence to own an undesexed dog or cat over 6 months old, with limited exemptions. |
| TAS | Yes, for cats No, for dogs | From 1 March 2022, Section 14 of the Cat Management Act 2009 requires all cats over 4 months of age to be desexed, with limited exemptions. Desexing is not mandatory for dogs under state legislation. |
| VIC | No | Desexing is not mandatory for cats and dogs under state legislation, although it may be a requirement of some local councils. |
| WA | Yes | Section 18 of the Cat Act 2011 requires all cats over 6 months of age to be desexed, with limited exemptions. The Dog Amendment (Stop Puppy Farming) Bill 2021, passed by WA Parliament November 2021, will make desexing mandatory for all dogs by the age of two years, with limited exemptions. |
| *Information current as of 18 May 2023. | ||
In some local council areas, desexing is mandatory for animal registration, or an additional fee must be paid to own undesexed cats and dogs.
* In NSW from 1 July 2020, owners of undesexed cats aged four months or older must pay an annual permit fee.
This information is not legal advice. Seek advice from the relevant authority.
