Dog desexing

Dog desexing is mandatory in South Australia.

Desexing your dog can reduce the risk of your dog developing certain cancers, it prevents unwanted litters, and your dog may be less likely to wander.

All dogs born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed by a registered veterinary surgeon:

• before it is 6 months of age; or
• within 28 days after the owner takes possession of the dog; or
• if the owner is granted an extension of time, before the day specified in the exemption.

Desexing exemptions apply to the following circumstances:

• dogs born before 1 July 2018
• dogs owned by a Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) registered breeder
• dogs owned by a member of Dogs SA
• dogs that are defined as a ‘working livestock dog’ as per the Act
• Greyhounds that are currently registered as racing greyhounds with Greyhound Racing SA (retired greyhounds are not exempt)
• if issued by a veterinarian for health reasons.

Not sure if your circumstances apply? Find out more on desexing exemptions to see if you meet the requirements.