Desexing made more accessible
Our community dog desexing programme helps owners across Whangārei, Kaipara and Wellsford access the support they need to desex their dog.
Helping more dogs get desexed
We run a community dog desexing programme to help reduce the number of unwanted dogs and puppies in Whangārei, Kaipara and Wellsford.
We support owners who are struggling to meet the cost of desexing their dog. Thanks to funding from our generous supporters, the programme is currently free* and includes a microchip.
The programme is available for owners with a Community Services Card or those experiencing genuine financial hardship.
Free* desexing
For eligible owners experiencing financial hardship, our programme can help remove the cost barrier to getting your dog desexed.
Please read this first
Before submitting an application, please make sure you understand how the programme works and read the Terms & Conditions.
How does it work?
Find out about eligibility, the application process and what happens after you apply.
Read how it works →Terms & Conditions
Please read the programme Terms & Conditions before completing your application.
Read the Terms & Conditions →Desexing FAQs
We've gathered information, debunked common myths and explained why desexing is beneficial for your dog.
Read the FAQs →From application to desexing
We've designed the programme to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Check your eligibility
Our programme is available to owners in our funding area who have a Community Services Card or are experiencing genuine financial hardship.
Complete the application
Complete the application form below and provide the information we need to assess your eligibility.
We review your application
We'll review your application and, if you're eligible, explain the next steps and available veterinary support.
Arrange your dog's desexing
Once approved, we'll help you arrange the desexing appointment for your dog.
Apply for community desexing
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for support using the form below.
Terms and Conditions apply. Please read them at the bottom of this page before submitting your application.
Desexing support application
Give your dog a better chance of coming home
A microchip gives your pet the best chance of being reunited with you if they become lost or stolen.
Microchipping is included with our current desexing programme.
Learn more about microchipsTwo important steps
Desexing helps prevent unwanted litters, while a microchip helps your dog find their way home if they ever go missing.
Why should you desex your dog?
If you're unsure about why you should desex your dog, we've gathered information to help you make an informed decision.
Our FAQs cover common questions, debunk myths and explain some of the benefits of desexing.
Read the desexing FAQsHelp prevent unwanted litters
Desexing helps reduce the number of unwanted puppies born into uncertain futures.
Responsible dog ownership
Desexing is an important part of responsible ownership and community animal welfare.
Support for your community
Fewer unwanted dogs means fewer dogs needing rescue, rehoming and other support later in life.
How do we fund it?
We receive no government funding for this programme. We rely on donations, sponsorship and funding applications to keep it running.
Every contribution helps us support more owners and prevent more unwanted litters across our community.
Who else can help?
If you are unsuccessful in applying to our programme, we're out of funds, or you live outside our funding zone, there may still be options available.
Humane Society
If you have a Community Services Card, the Humane Society will cover 50% of your dog's desexing cost.
Find out more →SPCA
The SPCA provides desexing support throughout New Zealand at different times of the year.
Visit SPCA →Bay of Islands Animal Rescue
For Far North owners, Bay of Islands Animal Rescue also provides desexing support.
Visit Bay of Islands Animal Rescue →We're here to help
If you have questions about eligibility for The Best Dog Trust desexing programme, please get in touch with us.
Contact usDesexing is more than a responsible choice.
It's a commitment to the wellbeing of your dog and to the future of dogs in our community.
Terms & Conditions
Please read and understand the Terms & Conditions before submitting your application.
By applying to our dog desexing programme you agree to these terms & conditions.
The Best Dog Trust – Desexing Programme Terms & Conditions
Who can apply
You must live in Whangārei or Kaipara District (i.e. within Whangarei District Council or Kaipara District Council boundaries).
For Wellsford owners, we cover north of Dome Valley including Te Hana, Port Albert, Wharehine and Tomorata.
You must be the owner of the dog, or have the owner’s permission to apply.
This programme is for people who genuinely need financial help to desex their dog. If you can afford to desex your dog, please do not apply.
Your dog must be over 5 months old.
Our priorities
Medium to large breeds, including staffy, pitbull, bulldog, sharpei, and farming dogs.
Black and brindle dogs, as they’re the hardest to rehome.
Community Services Card (CSC) holders and others experiencing genuine financial hardship.
We cannot assist with dogs purchased from breeders or pet shops.
Certain breeds or crossbreeds (e.g. pugs, British or French bulldogs) may not be eligible due to high risk of complications and higher surgical costs.
Currently, due to high demand and limited funding, we are unable to help with small dog breeds.
What you need to know
Please answer all questions on the application form truthfully. This helps us ensure the safety of your dog and the vet team.
You’ll need reliable transport to and from the vet. Your dog cannot walk home after surgery.
You must follow all pre-surgery instructions, including:
No food after 8pm the night before
No food or water the morning of the surgery
The owner or a responsible adult must accompany the dog to the clinic.
Your dog must:
Wear a collar and lead
Wait in the car on arrival until checked in
Be left in the car while the owner advises the vet they have arrived
If your dog is reactive or cannot be safely handled, the surgery may be cancelled.
Your dog needs a safe, warm, dry place to recover.
Aftercare may not be included. If your dog suffers any post-surgery issues, complications, or infections, contact the vet who did the procedure and also let us know. We handle these (rare) cases individually.
Availability & funding
This programme is funding dependent. If we don’t have enough funds, we may:
Prioritise certain dogs
Place your dog on a waiting list
Temporarily close applications
We receive no government funding — we rely on grants, donations, and sponsorships.
Currently, we can offer this programme free of charge, but this may change depending on available funding.
Our right to decline
We reserve the right to decline any application, dog, owner, or procedure at our discretion.
If you have multiple dogs, the number of desexing procedures available per household may vary.
How we use and share your personal information
By applying, you agree to us collecting, using, and sharing your personal information as outlined below.
We may collect and share:
Your name, address, and contact details
Your Community Services Card details
Information about your dog
This information is only used to run the desexing programme and may be shared with:
Approved veterinary clinics
The Humane Society of NZ (which may provide matched funding for CSC holders)
Other trusted partners supporting the programme.
We do not keep or share any microchip details. These are managed between you, your vet, and the national animal register. If your dog receives a microchip through the programme, it is your responsibility to ensure it is registered correctly and kept up to date if your details change.
For more information, please check out our Privacy Policy.
Responsibility
The Best Dog Trust (formerly Ruakaka Dog Rescue) and our funders accept no responsibility for injury or death of any animal associated with the operation of this programme.
Declaration
The owner or person in charge of the dog verifies that all information provided is correct to the best of their knowledge and accepts the Terms & Conditions and important information outlined above.
By applying via our programme and / or submitting this form, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Legal stuff
These terms are governed by New Zealand law. If any part of these terms is found to be invalid, the rest still apply.
We may update these Terms & Conditions at any time. If there are important changes, we’ll notify you on our website. By continuing to apply or use our services, you agree to the updated terms.
Contact us
Got a question? Email: bestdogtrust@gmail.com
Last updated: 14 April 2026