Desexing Surgery

Dogs, cats and rabbits

Desexing, also called neutering, is a surgical procedure that prevents pets from reproducing. In male pets this is commonly called castration, and in female pets it is called speying.

At Bankstown Veterinary Hospital, desexing is one of the most common surgeries we perform. Most pets come into hospital in the morning and go home later the same day.

When should my pet be desexed?

The right timing depends on your pet’s species, breed, size, health and individual circumstances.

For many cats and small-to-medium dogs, desexing is commonly performed around 4–6 months of age. Larger breed dogs may sometimes benefit from a more individual discussion about timing, particularly where growth, behaviour or breed-related health considerations are relevant.

For cats in NSW, owners of non-desexed cats over 4 months of age must pay an annual permit while the cat remains undesexed. Owners of non-desexed dogs over 6 months of age must pay a once-only additional fee. Registration and permit rules can change, so we recommend checking the current NSW Pet Registry or council information when planning timing.

Adult pets can also be desexed. If your pet is older, overweight, in season, pregnant, cryptorchid, or has a medical condition, we can discuss the extra considerations with you before booking.

NSW Registration & Desexing Requirements

Under current New South Wales companion animal legislation, desexing is not legally mandatory for most cats and dogs. However, NSW registration laws encourage desexing through additional fees and permits that apply to many undesexed pets.

  • Owners of non-desexed cats over 4 months of age are generally required to pay an annual permit while the cat remains undesexed.

  • Owners of non-desexed dogs over 6 months of age are generally required to pay an additional once-only registration fee.

  • Certain exemptions and concessions may apply in specific circumstances.

  • These requirements are determined by NSW legislation and may change over time.

For the latest registration fees, permit requirements and exemption information, we recommend visiting the NSW Pet Registry website.

Desexing remains one of the most effective ways to prevent unwanted litters and provides a range of health, welfare and behavioural benefits for many pets.

Why desex your pet?

Desexing may help:

  • Prevent unwanted litters

  • Reduce roaming and mating-related behaviours

  • Prevent testicular cancer in males

  • Reduce the risk of prostate problems in male dogs

  • Prevent pyometra, a potentially life-threatening uterine infection in females

  • Reduce the risk of mammary cancer in females, especially when performed before repeated seasons

  • Stop heat cycles in female dogs and cats

  • Reduce council registration or permit costs in many situations

Desexing is common, but it is still real surgery. Our approach is to make the procedure as safe, calm and comfortable as possible.

What is included in desexing surgery?

Your pet’s care may include:

  • A pre-anaesthetic examination by the vet

  • Modern anaesthetic medications appropriate for your pet

  • Pain relief before, during and after surgery

  • Surgical monitoring while under anaesthetic

  • Careful temperature support during and after the procedure

  • Recovery monitoring before going home

  • Written discharge instructions

  • A post-operative check as recommended by the vet

We may also recommend pre-anaesthetic blood testing and intravenous fluids. These are especially useful for older pets, unwell pets, higher-risk patients, or owners who would like an added level of anaesthetic safety.

Why prices can differ between hospitals

Desexing prices can vary between veterinary hospitals because inclusions vary.

Some estimates may look cheaper but may not include the same level of monitoring, pain relief, staff time, anaesthetic support, take-home medication, fluids, blood testing options or post-operative care.

At Bankstown Veterinary Hospital, we do not reduce the quality of care simply because desexing is a common procedure. Your pet’s safety, comfort and recovery remain the priority.

Before surgery

Before your pet’s procedure:

  • Book the surgery with our team.

  • Let us know if your pet has been unwell, coughing, vomiting, had diarrhoea, seemed off food, or is taking medication.

  • Tell us if your female pet may be in season, pregnant or recently had a litter.

  • Follow the fasting instructions given by our team.

  • Dogs may be bathed a day or two before surgery, as they cannot be washed until the wound has healed.

  • Bring your pet in at the arranged admission time.

Your pet will be examined before anaesthesia. If the vet finds anything that changes the risk of surgery, we will discuss this with you.

After surgery

Most pets are a little quiet or sleepy the night after surgery. This is expected.

At home:

  • Keep your pet calm, indoors and rested.

  • Prevent running, jumping, rough play and excessive stairs.

  • Offer a small meal unless instructed otherwise.

  • Give medication exactly as labelled.

  • Keep the wound clean and dry.

  • Do not allow licking or chewing at the incision.

  • Use an Elizabethan collar, recovery suit or other wound protection if recommended.

  • Check the wound at least twice daily.

  • Return for post-operative checks or suture removal as advised.

Please contact us promptly if you notice swelling, redness, bleeding, discharge, wound opening, repeated vomiting, marked lethargy, pain, not eating, or if your pet removes stitches.

If you are unsure whether now is the right time to desex your pet, we are happy to discuss the advantages, disadvantages and timing options so you can make the decision that best suits your pet and family."

Common desexing questions

Will desexing change my pet’s personality?

Your pet should still be themselves after desexing. Desexing may reduce some hormonally driven behaviours, but it does not remove your pet’s normal personality, affection or bond with your family.

Will my pet gain weight after desexing?

Some pets need fewer calories after desexing. Weight gain is not inevitable, but feeding may need to be adjusted. We can help you choose an appropriate diet and feeding amount after surgery.

Should my female dog or cat have one litter first?

No. There is no health benefit in having a litter before being speyed. In many cases, speying before repeated seasons reduces future health risks.

Is desexing painful?

There can be tenderness after surgery, but we use pain relief to help keep pets comfortable. Most pets recover quickly, and many need encouragement to rest properly while the wound heals.

Can my pet be desexed while in season?

Sometimes, but surgery can be more complex and may carry higher risk of bleeding. Please tell us if your pet is in season or may be coming into season so we can advise the safest timing.

What if my male pet has only one testicle visible?

This may mean your pet is cryptorchid, where one or both testicles have not descended normally. Desexing is still recommended, but the surgery can be more involved. The vet can examine your pet and explain what is required.

Booking desexing surgery

For desexing bookings, please call Bankstown Veterinary Hospital on 9790 1101. Our team can discuss timing, estimates, fasting instructions and whether any additional precautions are recommended for your pet.