National Desexing Network calls for pet owners to spay or neuter their animals

It comes as part of the 19^th national desexing month, where vets with the NDN offer discounted rates on desexing in July.

The initiative was developed by Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) in an effort to reduce euthanasia rates and prevent unwanted litters.

In shelters across Australia, around 200 lost or abandoned cats and dogs die every day.

Twenty eight per cent of cats are euthanised in these shelters, in part because of their status as prolific breeders.

NDN spokeswoman Dr Joy Verrinder said managing unwanted litters stressed the animals and people who had to manage and rehome them.

"Cats and dogs desexed in July are less likely to be pregnant or in-season, which makes it a quicker and easier procedure for the animal as well, and less costly for owners," she said.

Around 10,000 cats and dogs were desexed yearly during national desexing month before 2020.

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"Although the worst of the pandemic is behind us, we recognise there is a critical shortage of veterinarians around the country which might make it harder for some clinics to participate again this year," Dr Verrinder said.

NDN spokesman Craig Montgomery said this shortage was putting financial pressure on veterinary clinics.

"When they've got minimal resources their priorities are the more significant surgeries because that's where they make their money, which is completely understandable," he said.

"We fluctuate between 100 and 160 vets participating each year, so it's a good number. But we'd certainly love more to be involved as well."

Mr Montgomery said desexing pets had additional health benefits.

"It reduces the chance of the animal roaming, because they're not searching for a mate," he said.

"They're not straying which then reduces the risk of getting hit by cars, they're not wandering into properties where they're not wanted and they're also less likely to get lost, ending up in a pound or a shelter."

The operation also reduced cancer risk in cats and dogs with cancer in the mammary glands a common occurrence in un-desexed animals.

"For male cats in particular, it reduces the want to fight with other cats, which can culminate in a whole range of health issues as well," Mr Montgomery said.

With the rising cost of living, some treatments for animals are becoming unaffordable for their owners.

"So right now it's really important that people take advantage of this because there are some really good offers out there from many vets across Australia," Mr Montgomery said.

A list of all participating vets and incentives is available at ndn.org.au