Pet Sterilisation Program 2026

Supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Animal Welfare Grant Program and Swans Veterinary Services.

The Shire of Esperance is working with DPIRD and Swans Vets to make responsible pet ownership more affordable for our community.

This program helps eligible residents of Esperance access reduced-cost:

  • Sterilisation
  • Microchipping
  • Registration with the Shire of Esperance.

After engaging with community members, Ranger Services identified a real need for financial support to meet these requirements. With grant funding from DPIRD (AWGP‑R5‑059), we can now offer limited subsidised sterilisation appointments for local cats and dogs.

Why sterilising your pet helps you be a responsible pet owner

Sterilisation helps reduce:

  • Unwanted and abandoned litters
  • Roaming cats and dogs
  • Certain cancers in both species
  • Stray pets being injured or killed on roads
  • Dog attacks and unsocial behaviour
  • Territorial spraying and marking
  • Pressure on local Animal Management Facility and rescues

This is an offer with limited funding. First in best dressed. If you are eligible, complete the Pet Sterilisation Form and return Shire admin office or shire@esperance.wa.gov.au

Pet Sterilisation 2026 Form

Eligibility Requirements

The free Pet Sterilisation Program is limited to two (2) pets per household. This program is not available to dog or cat breeders.

To qualify for this program, you must provide:

  • Completed and signed application form
  • Proof of identification
  • Proof of a valid concession (one of the following): 
    • Health Care Card
    • WA Senior’s Card
    • Veteran Concession Card
    • Proof of low-income concession status
  • Proof of pet ownership

How to Apply

This program is delivered through a partnership between the Shire, DPIRD and Swans Veterinary Services.

Step 1: Apply through the Shire
Submit your completed Pet Sterilisation application form with a concession card to prove eligibility to rangers@esperance.wa.gov.au or obtain an application at the Shire Admin Building at 77 Windich Street.

Step 2: Application assessment
The Authorised Officer reviews your application.

Step 3: Receive approval and voucher
Approved applicants will receive a sterilisation voucher valid for 30 days.

Step 4: Book your pet’s appointment
You must book the sterilisation appointment with Swans Veterinary Services on (08) 9071 5777. If your pet is not microchipped, this will be completed during the procedure at the owner’s cost ($44).

Step 5: Register your pet
Once sterilisation has been done, submit a Pet Registration Form to finalise compliance with Shire requirements.

Within 30 days of signing the application form, your pet must be:

  • Microchipped
  • Sterilised
  • Registered with the Shire of Esperance

Pet Sterilisation and the Law

Cat Act 2011

  • Cats must be microchipped, sterilised and registered by 6 months of age.
  • Anyone breeding even one litter is legally a cat breeder and must hold a permit.
  • Cats sold or transferred must be microchipped and sterilised.
  • Local governments may limit the number of cats per household.

Dog Act 1976

  • Dogs must be microchipped and registered by 3 months of age.
  • Sterilisation is not compulsory but strongly recommended.
  • Dog breeders must hold an Approval to Breed (Stop Puppy Farming reforms).
  • Some dogs are not eligible for breeding approval.

Conditions of the Program

By signing the application form, you acknowledge that:

  • You have read and understood the conditions of the program
  • You are the owner of the listed animal.
  • No later than 30 days after signing the application from, your pet will be:
    • Sterilised
    • Microchipped
    • Registered with the Shire of Esperance

Local Resources and Clubs

Swans Vet

83 Shelden Rd, Esperance WA 6450 Ph: (08) 9071 5777

Esperance Dog Club

esperancedogclub@gmail.com

Facebook: Esperance Dog Club

Wildcherry Ave Dog Park

23 Wildcherry Avenue, CASTLETOWN

Animal Exercise Areas
Here are some areas around Esperance where your dog can enjoy a run around without the restrictions of a lead.

Visiting Esperance?

Visiting with Dogs brochure

Pet Friendly things to do in Esperance

Dog behaviour info:

RSPCA 

The Dog Line

Local Resources and Clubs

Swans Vet

83 Shelden Rd, Esperance WA 6450 Ph: (08) 9071 5777

Esperance Dog Club

esperancedogclub@gmail.com

Facebook: Esperance Dog Club

Wildcherry Ave Dog Park

23 Wildcherry Avenue, CASTLETOWN

Animal Exercise Areas
Here are some areas around Esperance where your dog can enjoy a run around without the restrictions of a lead.

Visiting Esperance?

Visiting with Dogs brochure

Pet Friendly things to do in Esperance

Dog behaviour info:

RSPCA 

The Dog Line

Five Tips for Responsible Cat Ownership

Once your cat is microchipped, sterilised and registered, you’re already meeting the key requirements. Here are five more ways to be a responsible owner:

  1. Keep your cat safe at home - This prevents injuries, predation and roaming.
  2. Provide enrichment - Fun things like toys, perches, puzzles and scratching posts.
  3. Visit the vet regularly - Vaccines, general health and early intervention.
  4. Update your microchip and registration details when you move.
  5. Be a considerate neighbour - Reduce hunting and nuisance behaviours.

Four Reasons to Keep Your Cat Indoors or Contained

  1. Protect native wildlife. Roaming cats hunt birds, reptiles and mammals.
  2. Keep your cat safe. Keeping your cat indoors reduces road accidents, disease and fights.
  3. Reduce nuisance behaviour. Stops spraying, roaming and yard intrusions.
  4. Prevent breeding. Roaming cats increase unwanted litters.

How to Stop Your Cat From Roaming

  • Keep your cat indoors, especially at night.
  • Provide enrichment such as puzzle feeders and climbing areas.
  • Build a catio. It's like a patio, but special for cats.
  • Supervise outdoor time using a harness and lead.
  • Ensure fencing is secure or add cat‑proofing.

Five Tips for Responsible Dog Ownership

  1. Secure your yard to prevent roaming and nuisance behaviour.
  2. Exercise your dog daily to reduce boredom and problem behaviours.
  3. Socialise and train your dog to improve behaviour and public safety.
  4. Keep up with vaccinations and vet checks.
  5. Be considerate of neighbours by managing barking and interactions.

Five tips to keep your yard secure for your dog

  1. Check and maintain your fencing - Make sure there are no loose panels, gaps, holes, or leaning sections your dog could squeeze through or push open.
  2. Prevent digging under the fence - Use barrier options like buried chicken wire, pavers, or a narrow trench filled with rocks along the fence line.
  3. Remove climbing aids - Keep bins, furniture, wood piles, or anything climbable away from the fence so your dog can’t use them as a step.
  4. Secure gates properly - Add self‑closing hinges, padlocks, or high latches so gates can’t be accidentally left open or pushed open.
  5. Reduce boredom - Provide toys, shade, enrichment, and regular exercise. The less bored your dog is, the less likely they are to look for escape opportunities.

 

Disclaimer

  • As funding is limited, the Shire of Esperance reserves the right to close the program or decline applications once the allocation is exhausted.

  • The Pet Sterilisation Program does not cover additional costs for other conditions (pregnancy or medical conditions), post-operative needs, or treatments deemed necessary by Swans Veterinary Services.

  • The Shire of Esperance is not responsible for any risks or complications that may occur during or post-surgery.