De-sexing your dog can reduce aggression problems as well as ensuring you don't wind up with unwanted pups.
Our dog de-sexing programme
The purpose of the Dog Neutering Programme is to promote and encourage responsible dog ownership and dog welfare by offering 100% subsidised dog neutering for those who may not otherwise have access to this service. This is in accordance with section 6 of the Dog Control Act 1996
We actively encourage the de-sexing of dogs by providing reduced registration fees for de-sexed dogs and by paying the actual costs of de-sexing for Community Service Card holders.
Funding is limited, so it's first-in-first-served, with a 50% male / 50% female split when the funding runs out, no more subsidised operations will be done until the following year.
You need to provide the following to qualify for the subsidy:
- Name, address and contact phone number of registered owner
- Dogs name and registration number
- Community Card number and expiry date
Your dog must be currently registered with the Dunedin City Council. You can apply in person at any of our customer service centres, or use the online Dog neutering application form. When you dog is on the neutering list, the vet will contact you to make an appointment for the operation.
You may not be eligible for the desexing surgery or may incur extra charges if your dog is any of the following:
- Overweight/obesity
- Over 3 years of age
- Is pregnant
- In heat/season (must wait for 8 weeks AFTER the heat ends)
- Male with undescended testicle/s
- Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease
- Umbilical hernia requiring repair
- Any extra minor surgery (for example lump removal) will incur extra charges
It will be at the discretion of the Veterinary staff to decide if you are not eligible for surgery on medical grounds. This is for the safety of your dog.
For more information about de-sexing, you can talk to your local vet, or contact us on +64 3 477 4000 or email: dcc@dcc.govt.nz
Dog neutering applicationAdvantages of de-sexing your dog
Surgical sterilisation is a permanent, safe and hassle free method of suppressing the urges to mate or fight. It allows other things to become more important such as obedience, retrieving, hunting or just plain having fun.
Statistics have shown that de-sexed animals are less susceptible to disease, live longer and fit into society better. The nature of a de-sexed dog does not change at all, but it can improve bonding between you and your pet.
For male dogs
De-sexing alters certain male behaviours but the changes are good. Most neutered males:
- Don't feel the need to urine-mark their territories
- Have less of a wandering urge
- Are less aggressive without losing guarding ability or natural inquisitiveness
For female dogs (bitches)
De-sexing your bitch will not change her nature at all and it will prevent unwanted pregnancies. Contrary to popular opinion, she doesn't need to have a litter of puppies first.
If it is done early, the chances of mammary cancer developing are reduced. The longer bitches are left entire, the more susceptible they become to contracting uterus infections, which can be fatal.
There are drugs you can use to stop bitches coming into season (available from your vet) but they need to be repeated every 6-7 months and a small proportion of animals develop side effects. This method is also more expensive in the long run.
Disadvantages of neutering your dog
Perhaps the only disadvantage of de-sexing is that your dog may put on weight. As long as you are aware of this, you can take steps to prevent it.
More information
For more information about de-sexing, you can talk to your local vet, or contact us on +64 3 477 4000 or email: dcc@dcc.govt.nz