A trusted vet close to Ashfield

Five Dock Veterinary Hospital is about a 10 minute drive from Ashfield via Frederick Street and Ramsay Road. Ashfield is a busy, diverse part of the Inner West, and many of our Ashfield clients have welcomed a new puppy, kitten or rescue pet into their family. For off leash exercise, the fenced dog area at Bede Spillane Reserve in neighbouring Croydon is a handy spot.

One of the things new pet owners ask us about most is what the law requires, so this page covers desexing, microchipping and registration in NSW.

Does my dog or cat need to be microchipped in NSW?

Yes. In NSW, cats and dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age, or before they are sold or given away, whichever comes first. A microchip is a tiny chip about the size of a grain of rice that sits under the skin between the shoulder blades. It is quick to insert, and it gives your pet the best chance of being returned to you if they are ever lost. We can microchip your pet during a normal consultation, or while they are under anaesthetic for desexing.

How do I register my pet on the NSW Pet Registry?

As well as being microchipped, cats and dogs must be registered on the NSW Pet Registry by 6 months of age. You can do this online through the NSW Pet Registry website. Registration is a one off lifetime payment, and it is cheaper for desexed pets. Please remember to update your details on the registry if you move house or change your phone number, as an out of date microchip is one of the most common reasons lost pets can't be returned home.

When should I desex my puppy or kitten?

We generally recommend desexing kittens at around 5 months of age. For puppies, the best timing depends on their breed and expected adult size, and some larger breeds may benefit from waiting until they are older. Our vets will talk this through with you at your puppy's vaccination visits.

Why should I desex my pet?

Desexing prevents unwanted litters, and it also has health and behaviour benefits. It greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer and prevents a life threatening uterine infection called pyometra in females. In males it prevents testicular cancer and can reduce roaming, marking and some unwanted behaviours. For cats, desexing also reduces fighting, which lowers their risk of abscesses and diseases like FIV.

What happens on the day of desexing?

Your pet will need to fast from the night before, and you will drop them off at the hospital in the morning. We strongly recommend a pre-anaesthetic blood test, and every patient has an IV catheter and fluids and careful monitoring throughout. Most pets go home the same afternoon with pain relief, and we will book in a check a few days later to make sure the wound is healing well.