Low-cost desexing for people doing it tough
Fix-A-Friend* is a low-cost desexing initiative by Pets Of The Homeless, designed to help people experiencing financial hardship access essential veterinary care for their pets.
Desexing plays a vital role in keeping pets healthy, preventing unwanted litters, and reducing pressure on already overwhelmed shelters. But for many people, the cost can be out of reach. Fix-A-Friend exists to remove that barrier. It is part of Pets Of The Homeless’ broader commitment to keeping vulnerable people and their pets together — supporting preventative care before a crisis occurs.
*Fix-A-Friend began in 2022 and operates without ongoing funding. As a result, the number of places available each year is capped and limited by our annual budget.
How it works
Book your pet in at one of our upcoming events:
What You Need to Know
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for Fix-A-Friend, you must:
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Live in Victoria
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Hold a valid Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card
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Be booking for a personal pet (not for a breeder or rescue organisation)
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Meet the lifetime limit of two pets per household
Eligibility is checked as part of the booking process.
What services are included in the subsidised cost?
Your booking includes desexing and microchipping for your pet. Optional vaccination is also available for an additional fee of $45.
How many pets can I book in?
Fix-A-Friend has a lifetime limit of two pets per household so we can help as many people as possible. Additional bookings aren’t available, and the program does not support breeders or rescue organisations.
Are there any requirements my pet must meet?
Yes. For your pet’s safety, the following requirements apply:
Dogs
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Must be over 6 months of age
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Male dogs must have both testes descended
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Female dogs must be at least 12 weeks since their last heat cycle and not pregnant
Cats
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Must weigh at least 1kg (usually 10 weeks of age or older)
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Female cats who are feeding kittens cannot be desexed until the kittens are fully weaned. Kittens can be weaned from 8 weeks of age. Please ensure all kittens are eating independently before booking your cat’s desexing
Can I get a refund or change my booking date?
No — refunds aren’t available for change of mind or non-attendance, and bookings cannot be moved to another date. A refund will be issued only if the attending vet or clinic staff deem your pet unfit for surgery on the day.
The event I want is sold out. Can I book my pet for another time?
Unfortunately not. Fix-A-Friend is funded entirely through our fundraising efforts and does not receive ongoing funding. Once all allocated places for the year have been filled, we’re unable to add additional spots or offer alternative dates.
Risk and complications/Pre-anaesthetic blood tests
All anaesthesia and surgical procedures carry some risk, including the possibility of unforeseen complications or, in rare cases, loss of life. Risks may be higher for older animals, those with pre-existing medical conditions, or undiagnosed illness.
Pre-anaesthetic blood tests help reduce risk by identifying underlying health issues that may not be obvious but could affect surgery. As part of our low-cost desexing service, we offer pre-anaesthetic blood tests for pets aged 8 years and over at no additional cost.
If complications occur after surgery, further treatment is not covered and will be at the owner’s expense. Following all post-operative care instructions closely can help minimise the risk of complications.
Our Impact So Far
As of December 2025
53
Desexing days held
785
Pets desexed,vaccinated & microchipped
$115,049
in vet cost subsidised
