Dog and Cat Desexing guide in New Zealand

The cost of desexing a dog in New Zealand can vary based on factors such as the size, age, and gender of the dog, as well as the location and veterinary clinic chosen for the procedure. On average, the cost of desexing a dog in New Zealand can range from $200 to $800. It's quite a big range so, in our opinion the best option is to call 3 or 4 clinics close to where you live. 

They can give you a quote covering everything from the checkup to surgery and aftercare. 

Keep in mind that the cost of desexing is a one-time expense that contributes to the overall well-being of your dog. Some dog insurances also, either fully or partially, cover the desexing costs. For example you can get up to $100 with Cove's Major + Minor Plan.

Finding free desexing services for your dog in New Zealand may depend on your location, the resources available in your city, and any ongoing campaigns or initiatives by animal welfare organizations. While free desexing services are less common, there are instances where subsidized or low-cost options may be available. Here are some potential avenues to explore: 
 

1. SPCA Desexing:
   NZ SPCA branhes may offer free or cheap desexing programs. Contact your local SPCA branch to inquire about available services and any assistance programs they may have or apply online for their $30 Snip'N'Chip desexing voucher.
    
2. Local Animal Welfare Organizations:
   Check with local animal welfare organizations or rescue groups in your area. Some organizations run desexing campaigns or may have partnerships with veterinary clinics to offer reduced-cost services.
    
3. Community Events or Campaigns:
   Keep an eye out for community events or desexing campaigns organized by local authorities or animal welfare groups. These events may provide discounted or free desexing services. 
    
4. Local Council Programs:
   Some local councils may have programs or subsidies in place to encourage responsible pet ownership. Contact your local council to inquire about any available assistance for desexing.
    
5. Veterinary Schools or Training Programs:
   Veterinary schools or training programs may offer lower-cost services as part of their educational programs. Check with nearby veterinary schools or institutions to see if they provide desexing at reduced rates.
    
6. Financial Assistance Programs:
   Inquire about any financial assistance programs that may be available for pet owners in need. Some organizations or charities may offer support for veterinary services, including desexing.

1. Pre-operative Examination:
   Before the surgery, the veterinarian conducts a pre-operative examination to ensure the dog is healthy enough for the procedure.
    
2. Anesthesia:
   The dog is administered general anesthesia to ensure it is unconscious and pain-free during the surgery.
    
3. Surgical Procedure:
   The veterinarian makes a small incision in the scrotum, removes the testicles, and closes the incision with stitches or surgical glue.
    
4. Post-operative Care:
   After the surgery, the dog is monitored as it wakes up from anesthesia. The veterinarian may provide pain medication and instructions for post-operative care.

1. Pre-operative Examination:
   Similar to males, females undergo a pre-operative examination to assess their health.
    
2. Anesthesia:
   The female dog is placed under general anesthesia to ensure a pain-free and comfortable procedure.
    
3. Surgical Procedure:
   The veterinarian makes an incision in the abdomen, removes the ovaries and often the uterus, and then closes the incision with stitches or surgical glue.
    
4. Post-operative Care:
   The dog is monitored during the recovery from anesthesia. Pain medication and post-operative care instructions are provided.

1. Monitoring:
   Veterinarians monitor dogs during the recovery period to ensure they wake up from anesthesia smoothly and exhibit normal behavior.
    
2. Pain Management:
   Pain medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort during the recovery phase.
    
3. Preventing Activity:
   Dogs are often advised to rest and avoid strenuous activity during the initial recovery period.
    
4. Follow-up Appointments:
   Some veterinarians may schedule follow-up appointments to check the incision site and ensure proper healing.

It's crucial to note that desexing procedures should be performed by qualified veterinarians in a clinical setting. Pet owners should follow the veterinarian's instructions for pre-operative and post-operative care to ensure the dog's well-being and a smooth recovery process.

The timing for desexing a puppy can vary based on factors such as the breed, size, and overall health of the individual dog. However, veterinarians often provide general guidelines for when it is safe and appropriate to desex a puppy.

Here are some general recommendations:

1. Small to Medium Breeds:
   Neutering small to medium-sized breeds is typically recommended between 6 to 9 months of age.
    
2. Large Breeds:
   Larger breeds may have a recommended neutering age of 9 to 15 months. Delaying the procedure allows for more controlled growth in larger breeds.

1. Small to Medium Breeds:
   For smaller breeds, spaying is often recommended between 6 to 9 months of age. Some veterinarians may suggest spaying as early as 6 months.
    
2. Large Breeds:
   Larger breeds may have a delayed schedule, with spaying recommended between 9 to 15 months of age. Delaying the procedure allows for more mature growth in larger breeds.

The cost of desexing a cat in New Zealand can vary depending on a range of factors, including the location, the veterinarian's fees, and any additional services provided. Most of the prices typically range from $60 to $200. It's recommended to contact your local vet clinic as they can provide specific quotes based on your cat's age, health condition, and other relevant factors.

While it's not common to find completely free desexing services for cats in New Zealand, there are options that make it more affordable. Some organizations and vet clinics offer discounted desexing services or participate in special campaigns to promote responsible pet ownership. Here are our suggestions:
 

1. SPCA Desexing:
   The NZ SPCA often has programs that make desexing more affordable. You can check with your local SPCA to see if they offer any assistance or apply for a $30 online desexing voucher as part of their Snip'n'Chip campaign.
    
2. Community Initiatives:
   Keep an eye out for local events or campaigns focused on pet welfare. There could be discounted desexing services during these events.
    
3. Local Vet Clinics:
   Check with nearby vet clinics, as they may have promotions or assistance programs to make desexing more accessible. They could offer special rates during certain times.
    
4. Animal Welfare Groups:
   Reach out to local animal welfare organizations or rescue groups. They might have partnerships with vet clinics to provide affordable desexing services.
    
5. Council Programs:
   Your local council might have programs or subsidies to encourage responsible pet ownership. It's worth checking with them to see if any financial assistance is available. 
    
6. Charitable Organizations:
   Charities dedicated to animal welfare may offer support for desexing. You can contact these organizations to inquire about potential assistance.
    

Remember that while these programs can help reduce the cost, there might still be some fees involved with desexing your cat. It's always a good idea to reach out directly to local organizations and vet clinics for the most accurate and up-to-date information on any available assistance for desexing your cat.

1. Preoperative Examination:
   Before the surgery, the veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination of the cut to ensure he is healthy and fit for the procedure.
    
2. Anesthesia:
   The cat is placed under general anesthesia to ensure he is unconscious during the surgery.
    
3. Incision:
   A small incision is made in the scrotum.
    
4. Testicle Removal:
   Each testicle is removed through the incision, preventing the male cat from reproducing.
    
5. Closure:
   The incision is closed with stitches or surgical glue.
    
6. Recovery:
   After waking up from anesthesia, the cat is monitored and can typically go home the same day.

1. Preoperative Examination:
   Similar to males, females undergo a preoperative examination to ensure they are healthy for the procedure.
    
2. Anesthesia:
   The cat is placed under general anesthesia to ensure she remains unconscious and pain-free during the surgery.
    
3. Incision:
   A small incision is made in the abdominal wall, typically in the midline.
    
4. Ovaries and Uterus Removal:
   The veterinarian will carefully remove the ovaries and often the uterus. This eliminates the cat's ability to reproduce.
    
5. Closure:
   The incision is closed using stitches or surgical glue.
    
6. Recovery:
   The cat is monitored as she wakes up from anesthesia. Most cats are able to go home on the same day.

1. Pain Management:
   Pain medication may be prescribed to manage postoperative discomfort.
    
2. Restricted Activity:
   Cats are often advised to rest and avoid excessive activity during the initial recovery period.
    
3. Prevent Licking:
   reventing the cat from licking the incision is important. This may involve the use of an Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent self-grooming.
    
4. Follow-up Checkup:
   A follow-up visit to the veterinarian may be scheduled to ensure proper healing.

Early desexing is commonly recommended around 4 to 6 months, but your veterinarian will guide you based on your cat's individual circumstances.

1. Population Control:
   Desexing helps control the overpopulation of dogs and cats, reducing the number of unwanted animals and the strain on animal shelters.
    
2. Health Benefits:
   Desexing can prevent certain health issues, such as uterine infections and mammary tumors in females and testicular cancer in males. It also reduces the risk of behavioral problems.
    
3. Behavioral Improvements:
   Desexed pets often display fewer behavioral issues, such as roaming, aggression, and territorial marking. This contributes to a more harmonious relationship between pets and their owners.
    

Depending on your situation though, desexing your pet may not be the right decision. While desexing is common, especially for cats, rabbits and certain dog breeds, it is not always recommended. 

It can for example, lead to increased risk of intervertebral disc disease cruciate ligament injury and cancer. It may also lead to hormonal problems including weight gain, skin conditions, hair loss, and 'loss of identity'.

It is entirely possible to be a responsible dog owner and not desex your dog but this is a conversation you should have with a trained veterinarian.

1. Regulations:
   Desexing is not mandatory in New Zealand, but it is encouraged by various animal welfare organizations and local councils, especially for cats and rabbits.
    
2. Local Council Requirements:
   Some local councils may offer incentives, such as reduced registration fees, for desexed pets.
    
3. Responsibility of Pet Owners:
   While not legally required, desexing is considered by some as a responsible and ethical practice for pet (especially cat) owners in New Zealand.