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Desexing your Cat or Dog – Costs, Pros, Cons and Must-Know Facts

Desexing ranges from $200 to $600 for a dog and $120 to $400 for a cat, with males cats and dogs cheaper than females given the surgical requirements. We suggest getting quotes from multiple vets to lock in the cheapest price.
Updated 19 September 2024
Summary
  • Desexing your pet means removing your cat or dog's reproductive organs.
  • It’s a surgical procedure that veterinarians do under general anaesthetic. You may also hear it called spaying for females or neutering for males. 
  • In female cats and dogs, vets remove the ovaries, and, in males, they remove the testicles.
  • Removing the reproductive organs prevents cats and dogs from having babies, but has other health benefits too.
  • Cost: Desexing ranges from $200 to $600 for a dog and $120 to $400 for a cat, with males cats and dogs cheaper than females given the surgical requirements. We suggest getting quotes from multiple vets to lock in the cheapest price.
  • Know this: The SPCA offers a free cat desexing service, known as a Snip 'n' Chip, via its website. Registration is open periodically in Auckland and around New Zealand. Contacting the SPCA as soon as possible will help get your name on the list. 

Our guide to desexing a cat or dog covers:

​How Much Does it Cost to Desex a Cat or Dog?

The fee to desex varies based on whether it's a cat or dog, and the veterinarian practice itself. On average, pet owners pay $200 - $600 for a dog spay or neuter and $120 - $400 for a cat spay or neuter. To ensure you don't overpay, always call three or four vets to find prices, and ask what’s included. 
 
Are there additional costs?
Yes - Typically a cat or dog needs pre-surgical tests, care while in surgery, and a follow-up visit, all of which add to the cost.

Why Should you Consider Desexing your Cat or Dog?

There are many reasons to consider desexing your pet besides the obvious – not having litters of puppies or kittens. Other reasons include:
  • It stops a female dog’s cycle and stops male attention to the female causing pregnancy
  • Neutering a male dog prevents excessive aggression
  • Neutering stops male dogs from wandering the neighbourhood looking for a female
  • Neutering male cats reduces their aggression levels

Compare Pet Insurance Quotes from New Zealand's Most Trusted Insurers, Relied on by Thousands of Pet Owners:

Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder
Our pet insurance research has identified the top pet insurers offering unbeatable prices and value. We suggest getting instant quotes from Southern Cross, PD Insurance, and Cove before exploring the wider market—this way, you can be confident you're getting the best possible deal. Our view is this:
  • Southern Cross: Trusted for its comprehensive coverage and customer-focused policies, Southern Cross is a leading choice for pet owners. Their plans cover everything from routine care to major surgeries, ensuring your pet's health is fully protected. As a not-for-profit with a strong reputation for paying claims, Southern Cross also offers options for dental care, vaccinations, and wellness benefits, making keeping your pet healthy and happy much easier. Plus, you can save with their exclusive discounts - a 5% additional pet discount if you're insuring more than one pet, a 2.5% discount for Southern Cross Health Society members, and another 2.5% discount for setting up a direct debit.
  • PD Insurance: PD Insurance covers 100% of vet bills (subject to claim limits and exclusions), with flexible excess options ($100, $150, or $200). With a quick, two-day reimbursement process for accepted claims and no lock-in contracts, PD Insurance is a hassle-free option. They also offer a "buy online, get the first month free" promotion, making it even more appealing. Plus, only one excess is charged per claimable event, so follow-up bills won't cost extra.
  • Cove: Cove's Major policy is ideal for those who want budget-friendly premiums with coverage for large, unexpected vet bills. With flexible payment options and no long-term contracts, Cove easily manages your policy. Plus, they offer your first month free (worth up to $100) on your first policy, adding even more value.
  • Getting a quote from these top insurers is quick and easy—just two to three minutes is all it takes to see how much you can save.
  • Advertising Disclosure: We may receive a payment from a pet insurer if you purchase a policy through our links. Our shortlist is based on coverage quality, claims history, flexibility, and value.

​Pre-Surgery: How to Prepare your Cat or Dog for Desexing

Preparing your cat or dog for desexing will minimize any issues. Here are some ways you can help:
  • Bath your dog a few days before the procedure. Since it’s a surgery, vets need a sterile environment, and if your pet’s fur is clean, it’s easier for the surgeons.
  • Your pet cannot eat anything 12 hours before surgery, which is usually the night before surgery. 
  • Your pet can usually have water up until the morning of the surgery, but then you should withhold it.
  • Make sure your pet toilets before bringing him/her to the clinic.
 
Post Surgery: How to Care for a Cat or Dog after Desexing
Desexing a pet is surgery. In both males and females, vets must open up the abdominal cavity and remove the reproductive organs. Most animals go home the same day but need extra special care for the next few days including:
  • Make sure your cat or dog doesn’t overly lick the sutured area (use an Elizabethan collar if necessary)
  • Watch the wound for swelling, pus, or signs of infection
  • Provide a quiet area to rest for the next few days
  • Make sure your pet gets plenty of water 
  • Provide a warm blanket, especially for females who have a harder time recovering
  • Offer small bits of food frequently rather than one large meal for the first few days following surgery
 
Important: Use caution with any activity or exercise for the days following surgery. Dogs should only be walked for a few short minutes, enough time to go to the bathroom. Cats should have a quiet area with no toys or distractions so they can rest. Cats and dogs should avoid jumping.

Cat and Dog Desexing - Pros and Cons

Desexing has a range of benefits, but to ensure you know all the facts we've listed key pros and cons. 

Pros:
  • Desexing your cat or dog may increase his/her lifespan
  • Eliminates the chance of reproductive organ cancers (ovarian or testicle)
  • Reduces the risk of pets running away, getting injured, or injuring someone
  • Avoids pregnancy, and all associated costs
  • You’ll save money on council registration of fixed dogs, for example, is $40+ a year cheaper for a desexed dog) 
  • It’s easier to board animals when they are fixed
 
Cons:
  • There’s always a risk of having any type of surgery, although vets are highly experienced in this routine procedure so the risk is very low
  • Some animals may gain a little weight due to a slower metabolic rate after desexing
  • There's an upfront cost of the operation and follow-up care (estimated to be $100 to $300 in total, including follow-ups)

​Desexing Your Cat or Dog - Frequently Asked Questions

While desexing is a standard procedure, and arguably an essential part of being a responsible pet owner, many people have questions before they visit the vet. Our list of questions below outlines common queries. 

At what age should you desex your Cat or Dog?

Every clinic differs in the age they recommend, but on average it’s 4 – 6 months of age. Vets try to wait until six months of age unless there are signs the dog may go into heat, at which point, they may try to desex your female dog beforehand. If not, you have to wait a few months after the cycle. 

Is 2-years too old to desex a cat or dog?
While there is generally a minimum age for desexing, there isn’t an upper age. However, waiting much past a dog’s first year of life quickly diminishes the benefits of desexing. If a pet is too old, it’s often not worth the risk.

How long does it take for a dog to recover from desexing?

It can take up to 10 days for pets to recover from desexing. Every day they’ll gain more strength and abilities, but you should try to keep him/her as calm as possible for the entire ten days. You’ll be able to tell when your pet is ready for more activity.

Do dogs change after being desexed?

The only changes you’ll see in your pet are positive. Most pets relax a little bit because they no longer have hormones surging through them. This may make them less temperamental and more relaxed.

Do pets become ‘lazy’ after being desexed?

Pets don’t necessarily become ‘lazy’ after being desexed, but they may jump less. In the case of male dogs, they won’t mount people or objects as much, and they won’t be a runaway risk by jumping the fence. 

Can your pet jump after being desexed?

Try to prevent your cat or dog from jumping for at least ten days after desexing. That’s how long it takes for the incision to heal. If a pet jumps too soon, he/she can rip the area open, putting him/her at risk of infection.

How long does testosterone stay in a male dog’s body after desexing?

It can take up to six weeks for the testosterone to fully leave your dog’s body. This means your dog may still exhibit aggressive or hyper behaviours, but the behaviours will diminish with time.

How long does a desexed dog need to wear a cone after surgery?

Every dog differs, but in general, vets recommend a dog wears a cone for at least 14 days after the surgery. This gives the incision plenty of time to heal. This is especially important for animals that lick excessively.

Does desexing change a dog’s ability to guard?

Desexing shouldn’t affect a dog’s ability to guard. While it lowers a dog’s aggression, it doesn’t affect the dog’s ability or desire to guard. 

Does your Cat or Dog need to see the vet after desexing?

Yes, your vet will likely see your pet a week or so after the surgery. He/she will remove the sutures, and check on your pet’s health, including his/her behaviour and overall wellbeing.
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