- My pet will get fat and lazy.
Neutering and spaying may decrease your pet's overall activity level,
natural tendency to wander, and hormonal balances which may affect appetite. Pets who become fat or lazy after surgery are a direct result of being overfed and/or lack of appropriate exercise.
- We want another pet just like "Spot" or "Whiskers".
Breeding two purebred animals rarely results in offspring just like one of the parents. With mixed breeds, it is almost impossible to
produce offspring that are exactly like one of the parents.
- My pet's personality will change.
Any change, if at all, is for the betterment of the pet. For example, an
altered pet will become less aggressive toward other animals and will be less likely to wander. Spraying (urine marking), which is often done by dogs and cats to mark their territories, diminishes or ceases after
altering.
- We can sell the puppies and kittens to make money.
Even well-known breeders are hard-pressed to break even on raising
litters. The costs of raising such litters include stud fees, quality food, vaccinations, and other health care costs which consume most
of the litter "profits."
- My children should witness the "miracle of birth."
Pets often have litters in the middle of the night or away from human distractions.
Pets require privacy when giving birth and unnecessary "visitors" may cause the mother to become extremely upset or agitated. This can
result in the mother abandoning her litter or in injury to the onlookers.
- I am worried about my pet undergoing anesthesia.
This is a common concern for many pet owners. Although there is a very slight risk
involved, the anesthetics currently used by veterinarians are extremely
safe. Many vets use high-tech equipment that monitors the animal's heart and respiratory rates during surgery. The medical benefits of spaying and neutering a pet far outweigh the surgical risks. If you continue to have concerns, certainly speak
to a veterinarian about the procedure.

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