23/03/2026
12 weeks and older or before getting adopted out for kittens who bred by a registered breeder.
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♦️ DESEXING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
📢 South Australia:
Desexing Dogs & Cats Is The Law
Many people are unaware that desexing dogs and cats is a legal requirement in South Australia. This law helps reduce unwanted litters, prevents animals entering shelters and rescues, and improves animal welfare across the state.
Under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, the following rules apply:
🐾 Who the law applies to:
- All dogs and cats born on or after 1 July 2018 must be desexed.
⏰ Timeframe
- Animals must be desexed:
Before they reach 6 months of age, or
Within 28 days of a new owner taking possession of the animal
⚠️ Important:
If you receive an animal before it is 6 months old, you become responsible for ensuring it is desexed.
If you need to rehome an animal that you bought or was given as a puppy that is now over 6 months old and not desexed, it is your responsibility as the owner to have the animal desexed before rehoming, not the new owner's.
🐾Exceptions:
The law does not apply in the following circumstances:
- Dogs born before 1 July 2018
- Working livestock dogs.
Animals owned by registered breeders with:
- Dogs SA
- FASA
- Cat Fancy of SA
- Registered racing greyhounds
If a registered veterinarian provides an exemption certificate stating desexing would cause undue risk to the animal's health or development
💰 Penalties
Failure to comply without a valid exemption may result in:
Maximum penalty: $2,500 fine
Typical expiation fee: $170
🩺 What you should do
If your pet is approaching 6 months of age, speak with your local veterinarian in South Australia to schedule desexing.
Desexing: ✔ Prevents unwanted litters
✔ Reduces pressure on shelters and rescues
✔ Improves long-term health and behaviour outcomes
Responsible pet ownership starts with desexing.
