Pet Sterilisation Program Sterilising your cat or dog can be expensive, but it's still important. RSPCA is working with the WA State Government and local vets to offer discounted pet sterilisation for concession card holders and people on low incomes, who cannot afford to de-sex their pets. The grant is available for cat and dog sterilisation only. If your pet needs to be sterilised, you can access these discounts in four easy steps: Register your details with RSPCA WA Send in your ID documents to confirm eligibility Select a vet near you offering discounted rates Make a booking directly with the vet and take your pet along. (Please note: the application process can take up to five business days. You should only make an appointment with the vet once your eligibility has been confirmed and you have received your discount voucher). 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. Register for Assistance 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. Register for Assistance 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. Register for Assistance Find a vet FAQs Information for Vets Our Services Pet Sterilisation Program Register for Assistance Sterilising your pet can be expensive, but it's still important. RSPCA is working with the WA State Government and local vets to offer discounted pet sterilisation for concession card holders and people on low incomes, who cannot afford to desex their pets. Through this program, RSPCA WA will pay up to 75% of the cost to sterilise and microchip your dog or cat. If your pet needs to be sterilised, you can access this discount in four easy steps: Register your details with RSPCA WA Send in your ID documents to confirm eligibility Select a vet near you offering discounted rates Make a booking directly with the vet and take your pet along. (Please note: the application process can take up to five business days. You should only make an appointment with the vet once your eligibility has been confirmed and you have received your discount voucher). How do I register for assistance? You need to apply for assistance BEFORE you take your pet to the vet. To claim your discount for pet sterilisation, complete this form. Once you submit this form, you will need to send us copies of the required documents so that we can verify your details. You will also be able to view a list of participating veterinary clinics that are offering discounted services for pet sterilisation. Once your application is assessed, you will receive a confirmation email giving you the approval to make a booking with one of the participating vets near you. This process can take up to five (5) working days. Apply for assistance now What documents do I need for discounted pet sterilisation? To qualify for assistance under the Pet Sterilisation Program, you will need to send in copies of: a valid official ID document (e.g. current Australian drivers licence, current passport, etc.) a valid concession card which must be either a Health Care Card; or WA Seniors Card; or Pensioner Card Proof of pet ownership, which can be any of the following: Microchip number Vet bill with the animal in your name Receipt of purchase Adoption contract if from a rescue Registration with the council Text message or email reflecting ownership Submit your documents View the terms and conditions here.