Pet Sterilisation Program

PILOT PROGRAM CLOSED

The pilot Pet Sterilisation Program has received an overwhelming number of applications. We thank the WA community for being so responsible and enrolling to have their pets sterilised. We also now have an extensive waitlist of pet owners that we are working through, so we are officially closing applications. We hope to be able to reopen these in the near future after securing additional funding.

Why should you de-sex your pet?

There are many health, financial and social benefits to having your pet de-sexed or sterilised. RSPCA WA Inspectors are on the front line, working with pet owners facing challenges of caring for their pets. Shelters and pet rescue organisations all over the state take in animals who have either been abandoned, or whose owners can no longer afford to care for them.

Sterilised pets are happier, calmer, healthier, less likely to roam, and may save you money in the long run!

Many issues that Inspectors deal with could be prevented if more people sterilised their pets. These range from dealing with stray cats and dogs who escape their yards and are found roaming streets, to pets suffering from serious medical conditions that are left untreated due to lack of finances.

The benefits of pet sterilisation include:

	Sterilisation reduces the number of unwanted and abandoned litters of kittens and puppies.
	Sterilisation can reduce the desire for dogs and cats to roam, which means fewer strays.
	Sterilisation reduces the risk and incidence of some cancers in dogs and cats.
	Sterilising cats can reduce unwanted behaviours such as spraying.
	Sterilising dogs can reduce unwanted behaviours like aggression.
	Registration fees for sterilised cats and dogs are cheaper in most local government areas. You could also save money on vet bills.
	Sterilised pets are generally happier and healthier, leading to better animal welfare outcomes.

Pet sterilisation and the law

Section 18 of the Cat Act 2011 mandates that all cats over six months of age must be sterilised. By law, they must be microchipped and registered with your local government.

With the passing of the Dog Amendment (Stop Puppy Farming) Bill 2021, unless exempt, all dog owners will be required to sterilise their dog by the time they reach two years of age.

What's involved in sterilising your pet?

Sterilising (also referred to as spaying, neutering or de-sexing) is the process of a qualified veterinarian removing an animal's reproductive organs to prevent breeding.

For male cats and dogs, vets make a small incision on or near the scrotum, gently squeeze the testicles, and remove them. This process is commonly called castration or neutering.

For female cats and dogs, vets make a fine incision along the animal's abdomen and remove their uterus and ovaries. This process is commonly referred to as spaying.

The above processes require a general anaesthetic and surgery. However, pet sterilisation is a common procedure, is relatively quick and minimally invasive. Your pet should make a full recovery in a matter of days.

RSPCA Pet Sterilisation Program terms and conditions 

Information for Vets

RSPCA's pilot Pet Sterilisation Program is supported by grant funding through the Western Australian government.