The majority of Australians have paid hundreds out-of-pocket for desexing their pet, according to a new study by Compare the Market.
The pet insurance comparison experts – who surveyed a nationally representative sample of more than 1,000 Australians – found 65% admit to paying for a desexing procedure, while 19% said their pet insurance policy had partially or fully covered the surgery.
Australians said they have spent $289 on average to desex their dog or cat.
| Response | Proportion of responses |
| Yes, I paid out-of-pocket | 65% |
| Yes, it was fully covered by a pet insurance policy | 12% |
| Yes, it was partially covered by a pet insurance policy | 7% |
| No, but I intend to | 9% |
| No, I have no intention of getting my pet desexed | 8% |
Note: Percentages were rounded to the nearest whole number and may not add up to 100%.
For the full results, please attribute: https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/pet-insurance/features/desexing-pets-index-2025/
More than half of participants said they primarily desexed their pet to prevent unwanted breeding, while a quarter cited improving their pets’ health and ensure a longer lifespan as the motive.
For dogs and cats that haven’t been desexed, 12% of Australians said their pets had given birth to unexpected litter.
Compare the Market Australia’s Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, said pet insurance can help provide financial peace-of-mind for owners.
“The majority of pet owners pay out-of-pocket in order to desex their pets, but there are a variety of other potential costs associated with owning a dog or cat,” Mr Taylor said.
“One key oft-forgotten factor is whether owners can afford to pay veterinarian bills in full if your pet is sick, injured in an accident or needs emergency care.
“Pet insurance provides a financial safety net in these unexpected circumstances and is an important part of responsible pet ownership, but don’t just pick the first insurer you see. Compare your options, offers and find a policy that suits your circumstances.”
Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) to check for the inclusions, limits and restrictions before purchasing.
For the full results, please attribute: https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/pet-insurance/features/desexing-pets-index-2025/
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For more information, please contact:
Henry Man | [email protected]
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