Desexing (also called neutering or sterilisation) is a surgical procedure that prevents your pet from reproducing. The health benefits extend far beyond population control — desexed pets are protected from certain cancers, infections, and behavioural issues associated with hormones and mating instincts.

Benefits of Desexing Your Pet

The positive outcomes for desexed pets are well-documented by veterinary research. Both male and female animals experience significant health and behavioural benefits.

Benefits for Female Pets (Spaying)

Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. Benefits include:

Benefits for Male Pets (Castration)

Castration is the surgical removal of the testicles. Benefits include:

Community Benefits

Every desexing procedure helps reduce the number of unwanted pets in shelters across Australia. Thousands of healthy dogs and cats are euthanised each year due to overpopulation. Desexing your pet is a responsible choice that benefits the entire community.

Desexing Options at Ormeau Vet

We offer flexible options for desexing your pet, whether you prefer a one-off service or ongoing wellness care.

Standalone Desexing Surgery

Book desexing as a single procedure at Ormeau Vet. This is ideal for pet owners who prefer to pay for individual services as needed. Our standalone desexing includes:

Desexing with Best Mates

Best Mates is our annual wellness membership for dogs and cats, covering essential preventative care at participating Apiam Vet Clinics Australia-wide.

Members who select the Desexing package receive surgical desexing — or chemical castration if preferred — as part of their membership. This is one of three package options, alongside Dental and Parasite Prevention. All members also receive vaccinations, a 10-part health screen blood test, microchipping (if not already chipped), unlimited nail trims, unlimited standard consultations*, and discounts on medications and food.

View all Best Mates inclusions | Membership starts at $835/year | T&Cs apply

*20-minute consultations during clinic hours, subject to availability. Excludes after-hours, specialists, and house calls. Vetriage tele-nurse service available to members.

When to Desex Your Pet

The optimal age for desexing depends on your pet’s species, breed, and individual health factors. Our Ormeau Vet veterinarians will recommend the best timing for your specific pet.

Cats

Most cats can be desexed from four months of age. Early desexing is particularly important for cats as they can become sexually mature and fall pregnant from as young as four months old.

Dogs — Small to Medium Breeds

For small to medium breed dogs (under 20kg adult weight), desexing is typically recommended between five and six months of age, before the first heat cycle in females.

Dogs — Large and Giant Breeds

For large and giant breed dogs (such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Great Danes, and Rottweilers), recent veterinary research suggests delaying desexing until the dog has reached skeletal maturity. This may be 12 to 18 months of age depending on the breed. Delaying desexing in these breeds may reduce the risk of certain orthopaedic conditions and some cancers. Our veterinarians can advise on the optimal timing for your large breed dog.

The Desexing Procedure

Desexing is a routine surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia. Whether you choose standalone desexing or the Best Mates wellness plan, our experienced veterinary team follows the same strict surgical protocols to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort.

  1. Pre-Anaesthetic Health Check: Before surgery, your pet receives a full physical examination to ensure they are fit for anaesthesia. We may recommend pre-anaesthetic blood tests, particularly for older pets.
  2. Anaesthesia and Monitoring: Your pet is placed under general anaesthesia using modern, safe anaesthetic agents. A dedicated veterinary nurse monitors their heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and temperature throughout the procedure.
  3. The Surgical Procedure:
    • For females (spaying): The veterinarian makes a small incision in the abdomen to remove the ovaries and uterus. The incision is closed with sutures.
    • For males (castration): A small incision is made near the scrotum (dogs) or on the scrotum (cats) to remove the testicles. Blood vessels are sealed using modern surgical techniques.
  4. Recovery: After surgery, your pet is moved to a warm, quiet recovery area where they are closely monitored as the anaesthesia wears off. Most pets are ready to go home the same day.
  5. Post-Operative Care Instructions: Our veterinary team will provide you with detailed instructions for caring for your pet at home, including wound care, activity restriction, and pain relief.

Post-Operative Care

Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery. Following your veterinarian’s instructions will help prevent complications.

Best Mates members benefit from unlimited consultations, so any post-operative concerns can be addressed at no additional cost.

Desexing Requirements in QLD

In QLD, desexing requirements are regulated by local councils. Many councils offer reduced registration fees for desexed pets, and some have mandatory desexing requirements for certain breeds or circumstances. Contact City of Gold Coast for information about registration requirements and desexing incentives in your area.

At Ormeau Vet, we can also combine desexing with microchip implantation — a legal requirement for all dogs and cats in Australia — while your pet is under anaesthesia.