July is National Desexing Month.

Whether you have a companion animal (or are considering opening your home and heart to one), are a veterinarian, or are a member of Council, you can help humankind’s best friends this National Desexing Month.

Across the month of July 2024, more than 100 vets are offering discounts and special deals to make desexing your pet more affordable and accessible.

Animals Australia is a proud sponsor of National Desexing Month 2024, an important initiative from the Animal Welfare League QLD.

Knowing how much we adore their cuddles and quirks, it is difficult to think that over 200 dogs or cats who are lost or abandoned lose their lives every day in pounds and shelters across Australia. 

The euthanasia of thousands of animals each year is the devastating reality when humans permit irresponsible breeding or abandon companion animals, perpetuating the ongoing issue of ‘pet overpopulation’. Dogs and cats, born in ‘accidental’ litters or to stray mums, too often aren’t given the opportunity to live full, happy lives – there simply aren’t enough homes for them all.

Desexing dogs and cats before their reproductive age (2-3 months) is critical to help stop this overpopulation problem and the euthanasia of ‘unwanted’ animals.

As unpleasant as it may be to take your little bestie in for the procedure, know you are helping to spare animals just like them from ending up in pounds or shelters, or from a difficult life as a stray. Beyond this, desexing dogs and cats can also help to improve their health and longevity, by preventing potential health issues associated with not being desexed.

• If you have a companion animal:
  You could be eligible for discounted desexing for your companion. Head to the pet owners section of NDN.org.au for a list of vets participating in low-cost desexing during National Desexing Month. Please note caring community members who feed cats living on the streets can also participate and get these cats desexed too.
• If you are a veterinarian:
  Please register here if your clinic can offer discounted desexing and join other vet clinics across the country that are helping to end companion animal overpopulation.
• If you are a Council anywhere in Australia:
  Please register your interest in starting an NDN Co-operative Desexing Program here.

For more information on National Desexing Month:

• Visit ndn.org.au
• Call the National Desexing Network on 1300 368 992

• Avoid impulse decisions. When considering bringing an animal into your home, take the time needed to properly assess if you are ready to make a life-long commitment to an animal. For some, fostering offers a more suitable level of flexibility while still being a wonderful way to help animals in need of a loving home. 
• Take the pledge today to adopt, not shop, and encourage friends and family to do the same. If and when you are ready to share your life with a furry friend, find a local rescue shelter or head to the Pet Rescue website here.
• Share the video below with any friends who may be considering opening their home to a companion, to encourage them to adopt or foster: