Myth: A pet will get fat and lazy.

Fact: Although a pet’s overall activity level may diminish, fat pets are most often a result of overfeeding and insufficient exercise.

Myth: The procedure is dangerous.

Fact: Spay and neuter procedures are fairly simple, involve little risk, and are usually completed without complications. Pets come home the next day and, after recovery, are usually as frisky as ever.

Myth: Altered pets always undergo drastic personality changes.

Fact: It may be true that pets undergo some personality changes, but those changes are for the better. Male dogs become less aggressive toward other animals and are less likely to wonder and face potential hazards, like traffic. Male cats curtail-or stop altogether-spraying to mark their territory. They are also less likely to roam, reducing the threat of disease and abscesses associated with fighting. Females become faithful stay-at-homes.

Myth: Pets can be bred to have personalities identical to those of their parents.

Fact: It’s false to believe anyone can produce a puppy or kitten in its parents’ exact likeness or personality. And, finding homes for the remaining littermates is burdensome.

Myth: There’s money to be made from offspring.

Fact: Even established breeders are fortunate to break even with purebred litters. Pet food, stud fees, vaccinations, health care, and other costs consume much of the "profit".

Myth: It’s educational for children to witness an animal giving birth.

Fact: This may be true, but it’s not in the pet’s best interest. Pets often have their litters in the middle of the night in private places of their own choosing. Unnecessary intrusions may upset the mother to the point that she injures herself, her owners or her offspring. (If you really want your child to experience the miracle of birth, watch for educational programs on television or check videotape outlets for a tape on the subject.)

Fact: Many veterinarians will work within a budget to set up payment terms. If a pet is adopted from a shelter, there may be spay/neuter opportunities at a reduced rate or, if old enough, it is probable that the animal has already been spayed or neutered.

Myth: You never have any trouble giving away the puppies or kittens.

Fact: You may not have trouble, but what do you know of the people to whom you give them? Do you follow up to ensure they are being properly cared for and neither neglected not abused? What about the offspring of those kittens or puppies?