Spay/Neuter Myths and Facts

Myth:
Preventing animals from having litters is unnatural.
Fact:
We've already interfered with nature by domesticating dogs and cats. In doing so, we helped create dog and cat overpopulation. We must now take responsibility for solving it.

Myth:
It is better to allow your female to have one litter before she is spayed.
Fact:
The best time to spay your female is before her first estrous cycle. Early spaying greatly reduces the incidence of mammary cancer.

Myth:
We don't need to neuter males because they aren't the ones having the litters.
Fact:
It takes two to tango! In fact, one unaltered male can be responsible for impregnating dozens of females.

Myth:
Spaying and Neutering is expensive.
Fact:
The cost of surgery may compare with the cost of raising a litter of puppies and kittens. Spaying/neutering also saves taxpayer dollars. On average, it costs $100 to capture, house, feed and eventually kill a homeless animal - a cost that comes out of all of our pockets.

Myth:
Animals, dogs in particular, are less protective after sterilization and show other negative behavioral changes.
Fact:
Any changes brought about by spaying/neutering are generally positive. Neutered male cats usually stop territorial spraying. Neutered dogs and cats fight less and are less likely to become lost due to straying from home in search of a mate. Spayed animals do not go into heat or need to be confined indoors to avoid pregnancy. All altered animals remain protective and loyal to their guardians.

Myth:
Animals become fat and lazy after spaying and neutering.
Fact:
Usually the only way animals become fat and lazy is by guardians overfeeding and under exercising them.


Be a responsible pet guardian - have your pet spayed or neutered to make sure he/she does not contribute to the pet overpopulation problem. You'll never stop your pets from acting naturally. If you love them, you'll have them fixed! It doesn't hurt pets to be spayed or neutered... what hurts is when they're not.