Finding The Perfect Pet

Over 1000 animals rehomed since 2019

DeSexing Your Pet

Mother and kittens

Do Your Pet a Favour...

It’s a distressing fact, but many thousands of animals are rehomed or euthanised each year due to an over supply of pets. Put simply – there’s more animals than there are homes for them.  As an example, cats will begin to breed from about 4 months of age, and if that litter is not desexed the issue compounds and before long there will be many many unwanted and undesexed cats looking for homes.

It’s a common misconception that desexing your pet will negatively affect their personality, or that all pets should have a ‘first litter’.  Because, actually, it’s the opposite.  Desexing is one of the best things you can do for your pet’s happiness and long term health. 

 The benefits of desexing your pets

  • Reduces the risks of health issues such as cancers (eg. mammary cancer, prostrate cancer)
  • Reduces your pets desire to roam and the risk they might become lost
  • Reduces reproductive behaviours (eg. female cats yowling, female dogs bleeding)
  • Desexed animals are cheaper to register with local councils
  • Desexed animals are less likely to show aggression and fight with other animals
  • Desexed animals are less likely to scent mark (eg. spray urine)
  • The cost to desex your pet far outweighs the cost of feeding and caring for unwanted litters, and reduces the number of animals that are euthanised each year.

    More information can be found via the Animal Welfare Victoria Website.

 
For some people, desexing can feel financially not possible so it’s either not done, or it’s ‘put off’.  If that’s the case with you and your pet, let us know at OAAT.  We can organise low cost desexing.  Similarly, if your cat has had kittens, and you are unsure what to do next, let us know via [email protected].
OAAT Adoption Story - Sydney

Aged at 11 plus, little Sydney has had so many litters and such poor nutrition that she is unable to hold her back legs up. She was surrendered, along with one of her kittens, and weighed just 2.4kg. Her eye was sore from living in a home where there was untreated cat flu. She also had dental problems with many broken teeth.

The team at OAAT On Friday she was desexed, vaccinated, chipped and a much needed dental with removal of some broken teeth. Her eye is also healing nice. She walks funny due to her continual over breeding (malnutrition). She is an absolute sweetheart and a trooper.

OAAT are strong advocates for animal desexing.  If you have an animal that needs desexing, but can’t afford it, please let us know.  We are also always grateful for any financial assistance from the community.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Match

Cats and Dogs can live up to 20 years, so it’s really important that you select a pet that is going to fit with your personality, household dynamics, and future plans. 

Lifestyle Compatability

Are you looking for a pet that is full of energy and playful? Or would you prefer a pet that is content to hang with you around the house all day, and nap on your lap while you watch TV or read a book?

Would you have the time and calm environment needed to nurture a shy, or fearful pet and help build back their confidence and zest for life? Or, would you prefer a pet that is outgoing or independent and that would slot perfectly into a busy home? It’s also important to consider the personality and temperament of any existing pets. How will they respond to a new addition to the family, and how will you manage the integration?

Housing and Council Regulations

The regulations for pet ownership differ between councils, this includes the requirement for registration, curfews for cats, and on/off leash walking for dogs. These are often easily found on each council website.

if you are renting, it’s vital that you consult with your landlord and secure their permission before applying for adoption.

Would you have the time and calm environment needed to nurture a shy, or fearful pet and help build back their confidence and zest for life? Or, would you prefer a pet that is outgoing or independent and that would slot perfectly into a busy home? It’s also important to consider the personality and temperament of any existing pets. How will they respond to a new addition to the family, and how will you manage the integration?

Costs associated with owning a pet

All OAAT pets are vaccinated, desexed and microchipped prior to adoption.   They will also be up to date with all worming and flea treatments.  This is all covered in the adoption fees (which generally range from $200 – $900 depending on the type and age of the animal).

if you are renting, it’s vital that you consult with your landlord and secure their permission before applying for adoption.

Cats and Dogs can live up to 20 years.  This is 20 years of feeding, vet care, council registration, toys, training, etc.  Does this fit with your budget and finances? How would you manage unexpected medical expenses if your animal was to become ill?