MYTHS. . . AND FACTS

"It's better to have one litter first."  Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures.

"But my pet is purebred."  So is at least one out of every four animals brought to animal shelters around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats --- mixed breed and  purebred.

"I want my dog to be a good watchdog."  Spaying and neutering does not affect a dog's natural instincts to protect its home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.

"I don't want my male dog or cat to feel like less of a male."  Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering a male dog or cat will not change its basic personality. It doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.

“It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered." Spay or neuter surgery is a one-time, relatively small cost when compared to all benefits.  It's a bargain compared to the cost caring for a pregnant pet & her litter for at least two months until the litter is weaned. 

"I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens."  You may find homes for all, or at least most, of your pet's litter. What you may not think about is that, in less than one year's time, each and every one of your pet's litter may have produced its own litter, adding more and more animals to the population. 

"My pet will get fat and lazy."  The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise.