​Pokaina tō kurī Desex your dog

When you can get your dog desexed

• Dogs can be desexed from six months of age.
• If a female dog is 'in heat' (ready to mate), she can be desexed four weeks after this period. Speak to your vet to learn more about this.

What you need to do

Book a desexing appointment with a vet. Visit The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) Te Pae Kīrehe to find a vet in your area. 

What happens during and after a desexing procedure

The vet will remove your dog's reproductive organs while it is under anaesthetic A medicine that stops you from feeling pain during medical procedures. .

You can take your dog home on the same day it is desexed, unless the vet advises you otherwise.

Cost of desexing

The cost varies among vets.

Free desexing

We offer free desexing for registered dogs that are menacing or dangerous. Free desexing may also be available for dogs which are not menacing or dangerous if they live in areas with a high number of dog attacks.

Email amvetservices@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to apply for our free desexing service.

Financial assistance

• The SPCA New Zealand may offer a desexing service when there is genuine financial need. Call them on 09 256 7300.
• The Humane Society of New Zealand may be able to provide financial help. Call them on 09 630 0510.

Benefits of desexing your dog

Lower registration fee for desexed dogs

Desexing lowers your dog's annual registration fee.

Visit:

• Dog registration fee calculator to find out your fee
• Dog registration fee discounts to find out more about our discounts.

Health benefits

Desexed dogs generally live longer, healthier lives and have a lower risk of getting various cancers and diseases of the reproductive organs.

• Male dogs have no risk of testicular cancer and a lower risk of perianal hernias.
• Desexing prevents the male dog's prostate gland from enlarging, removing their discomfort when urinating and defecating.
• Female dogs (bitches) have a lower risk of getting mammary cancer, cystic ovaries, perianal tumors and acute uterine infections.
• Bitches have no risk of pyometra, a life-threatening womb infection.
• Bitches have a lower risk of false pregnancies (showing pregnancy symptoms without carrying puppies).

Behavioural benefits

Desexing does not change the personality of your dog. It makes them more sociable and easier to handle.

• Dogs are less likely to wander, roam or stray and are therefore less likely to be hurt in road accidents.
• Dogs are less likely to be aggressive and are easier to train.
• Desexing will prevent male dogs from searching for bitches in season and fighting with other dogs.
• Male dogs are less likely to behave anti-socially, like mount people's legs and mark their territory.

Desexing helps control overpopulation of dogs

Desexing stops dogs from being able to breed. This reduces the number of unwanted puppies.

Strays and surrendered animals can overpopulate animal shelters.