The ideas that some owners have when it comes to altering their pet, such as thinking their dog will become fat, lazy and less protective are not true. Pet owners often don’t realize that they tend to feed their dog or cat too much and don’t give their pet enough regular exercise. While neutering or spaying an animal does not affect its weight gain, overeating can eventually lead to obesity. Also altering an animal does not hinder a dog’s natural instinct to protect its owner and family. Genetics and environment form a dog’s personality. Many people disagree on how early they can safely have their pet operated on. They might believe waiting is better until their pet has one litter. In fact, medical evidence indicates just the opposite is true. Females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier and many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age. Pet owners with questions concerning when they can safely alter their animal should consult with their veterinarian about the appropriate time for the procedure. Owners of purebred pets often refuse to have them spayed or neutered. It’s important to remember at least one out of every four animals brought to the shelter is purebred. There are too many dogs and cats, both mixed breed and purebred that need to be sterilized.

Finally, the idea that sterilizing a pet is too expensive is also untrue in most cases. Spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost and the fact is many animal shelters help pet owners pay towards the operation. This is usually a bargain compared to the cost of having and ensuring the health of an animal mother and her litter. With the cooperation of caring veterinarians, pet owners who cannot otherwise afford to have an animal sterilized may purchase a low-cost certificate from some Humane Society shelters.