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Desex your dog 

We run a community dog desexing programme to help reduce the number of unwanted dogs and puppies in Whangārei and Kaipara by supporting owners struggling to meet the cost of desexing their dog. 

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Thanks to funding from our generous supporters, it is currently free* and includes a microchip.

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It is available for owners with a Community Services Card or genuine financial hardship.

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Before you apply, please make sure you read 'How does it Work' and the 'Terms & Conditions' below

Why desex?

Getting your dog desexed is one of the most important things you can do for your dog and for your community!
 

  • We can stop unwanted litters

  • Keep dogs out of pounds and rescues

  • Help dogs live longer, healthier lives

  • Reduce the population of unwanted dogs

  • Eliminate the risk of testicular (balls) and mammory (breast) cancers

  • Less chance of dogs roaming or fighting

  • No messy ‘in heat’ bleeding from female dogs and an almost zero chance of the life-threatening condition, pyromia, developing


 

How does it work?

We’ve kept it as simple as possible. 

  1. All you need to do to apply is complete the application form.  

  2. We will review your application and be in touch with any questions or further information required.

  3. Once approved, we will let you know and arrange for the vet to contact you to book your appointment. 
     

We are a small volunteer team and do this work on top of our jobs, so please be patient with us as it may take a few days to get back to you.

 

Our vets are based in Whangārei and Waipu and we cover dogs in the Whangārei and Kaipara districts (sorry, we don’t have any Kaipara-based vets at this stage - we’re working on it).

If you love your dog, PLEASE do the right thing and have them 'fixed'!

  • The Best Dog Trust – Desexing Programme Overview

    We offer free dog desexing for eligible dog owners in Whangārei and Kaipara Districts. Please read the info below before applying.

    Who can apply

    • You live in the Whangārei or Kaipara District Council area.

    • You are the dog’s owner (or have permission from the owner).

    • You genuinely need financial help to desex your dog.

    • Your dog is over 5 months old.
       

    What we prioritise

    • Medium-large breeds like staffy, pitbull, bulldog, sharpei, and farm dogs and black and brindle dogs (hardest to rehome)

    • Community Services Card holders or those facing financial hardship

    • We can’t help with dogs from breeders or pet shops. Some breeds or cross-breeds (e.g. pugs, French/English bulldogs) may be excluded due to high surgical risk.
       

    What you need to know

    • Be honest on your application — it's for safety and eligibility.

    • You’ll need reliable transport to and from the vet.

    • No food after 8pm the night before, and no food or water the morning of surgery.

    • An adult must accompany the dog, who must wait in the car until check-in.

    • If your dog is reactive or unsafe to handle, surgery may be cancelled.

    • Aftercare may not be included, but contact us and your vet immediately if complications arise.
       

    Funding & availability
    We rely on grants and donations, not government funding. If funding is low, we may:

    • Prioritise dogs

    • Pause applications

    • Use a waitlist
       

    Our right to decline

    • We may decline any application at our discretion. Limits may apply if you own multiple dogs.
       

    Privacy & responsibility

    • By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy and allow us to share your info with partner vets or funders for programme purposes.

    • We do not keep or share microchip details.
       

    • The Best Dog Trust and our funders accept no responsibility for injury or death related to this programme.

       

    View our full Desexing Terms & Conditions
    View our Privacy Policy

Who else can help?

If for some reason you are unsuccessful in applying to our programme, we are out of funds or you live outside our funding zone, there are still options available to support with desexing:
 

  • If you have a Community Services Card, the Humane Society will cover 50% of your dog’s desexing cost.
    Please find out more and apply here

  • The SPCA provides desexing support throughout NZ at different times of the year.
    Please contact the Whangārei SPCA for more information and advice
     

For Far North owners, the SPCA are currently offering free desexing (as at January 2024) via Donna Doolittle's Animal Rescue. Please email desex@ddar.org.nz for more information and to book your spot. 

Bay of Islands Animal Rescue also provides desexing support for Far North dog owners.


If you have any questions about eligibility for The Best Dog Trust desexing programme, please contact us.

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Desex Today

If financial concerns are stopping you from desexing your dog, our community desexing programme is here to offer the support you need.

 

Desexing is not just a responsible choice; it's a commitment to the well-being of your furry friend!

More on desexing

If you have questions or are unsure about why you should desex your dog, we have gathered information, debunked myths, and provided insights into why desexing is beneficial and the best thing for your dog. 

How do we fund it?

We receive no government funding for this programme and rely on donations, sponsorship and funding applications to keep it running.

More on Microchips

A microchip gives your pet the best chance of being reunited with you if they become lost or stolen.

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Learn more about Microchips here

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