RSPCA Queensland urges owners to desex pets before they become “Humpy Doodles”

RSPCA Queensland is putting a cheeky spin on a serious animal welfare issue, launching its 2026 Desex My Pet campaign to help owners prevent unwanted litters, reduce problem behaviours and save on desexing costs.

From 1 June to 31 August 2026, participating veterinary practices will offer pet owners 20% off dog and cat desexing through the RSPCA’s Desex My Pet initiative.

The campaign uses playful pet “alter egos” including the Humpy Doodle, Stray-mese and Russian Pew to shine a light on common behaviours that desexing can help reduce.

RSPCA Queensland Vet Dr Anne Chester said the humour was designed to grab attention, but the message itself is important.

“Anyone who has had a dog mount everything in sight, or a cat yowl through the night, knows these behaviours can be stressful and embarrassing for owners,” Dr Chester said.

“But beyond the awkward moments, desexing plays a really important role in protecting pets and preventing unwanted litters.

“When we see female dogs suffering from life-threatening conditions like pyometra, alongside thousands of cats entering our shelters every year, it is heartbreaking to know many of these cases could have been prevented through desexing.”

Desexing can help reduce a pet’s desire to roam, lower the risk of some cancers and infections, reduce spraying in cats, reduce some aggressive behaviours in dogs, prevent unwanted litters and help dog owners access cheaper council registration fees.

With over 150 participating veterinary practices in Queensland, practices across Australia have also jumped on board to support the campaign this year. For owners already facing rising household costs, an unexpected litter can be expensive, stressful and time consuming, the Desex My Pet campaign aims to make preventable care more accessible.

Pet owners can register on the Desex My Pet website for their 20% off desexing voucher to provide at participating vets.

RSPCA Queensland would like to acknowledge Cairns Regional Council, City of Moreton Bay, Rockhampton Regional Council and Southern Downs Regional Council for supporting Desex My Pet in 2026.