Kitten next to a puppy dog

According to the American Humane Society, the main thing you should know about spaying and neutering is that it saves lives. This is because in every animal shelter across America, there are animals just waiting to be adopted. Half of them will find a home, while the other half will end up being euthanized. When you decide to spay or neuter your pet, this means there will be fewer pets in the world, and shelter pets who need a home will be more likely to be adopted. Here are some myths about spaying and neutering your pets and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: You should let a female cat have one litter before spaying her.

Fact: According to the Humane Society, medical evidence shows that females are typically healthier when spayed before their first heat. Dogs and cats as early as 8 weeks of age can be sterilized. Ask your veterinarian for their recommendation in when to spay or neuter your pets.

Myth #2: It is important for children to witness the miracle of birth.

Fact: While this is a valid point, it is also important to teach children that all life is precious. This means that before bringing more pets into the world, the responsible choice is to promote the adoption of animals before they are euthanized, instead.

Myth #3: My pet is a purebred, so I should breed her.

Fact: Just because your doggie isn’t a mutt, this doesn’t mean her pups will always have a home. In fact, at least 1 out of 4 pets that live in animal shelters are purebred. Half of them end up being euthanized.

Myth #4: My dog will be more protective if they are not spayed or neutered.

Fact: Your dog’s natural instinct is to protect his home and family. This has nothing to do with their sex hormones. Genetics and environment are what has an effect of how protective your dog is.

Myth #5: My pet will feel like less of a male.

Fact: Pets don’t struggle with sexual identity or ego issues. A pet’s personality will not be altered from being sterilized. He or she will not suffer any identity crisis or emotional repercussions from being neutered.

Myth #6: Dogs that are spayed and neutered get fat and lazy.

Fact: According to Drs. Foster & Smith, the metabolism of pets who have been spayed and neutered does change. To avoid weight gain, you have to just be sure not to overfeed your pets. In regards to them becoming lazy, this doesn’t happen because they have been sterilized. If a pet becomes lazy, it is usually because he or she is not being given enough opportunities to get the exercise they need. For example, many service dogs, search and rescue dogs and hunting dogs have been spayed or neutered and perform just as well as dogs that aren’t.

Myth #7: I want to have more dogs or cats just like the one I have!

Fact: The chances of puppies or kittens looking just like their parent is unlikely. Even pets who come from professional breeders can’t guarantee this. Think you have the most cute, smart, sweet and loving pet on the block? Animal shelters are full of pets that are equally as wonderful.

Myth #8: It is too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.

Fact: There are many different low-cost options for spaying or neutering your pet. Many places throughout the U.S. offer at least one clinic that charge $100 or less to take care of the surgery. To find a clinic with the lowest cost near you, use this searchable database from the ASPCA.