FAQs

Common Misconceptions

• If my dog is a purebred, is it okay to breed?

  25% of all animals found in a shelter are AKC or UKC purebreds. Every day, 70,000 puppies and kittens are born in this country while only 10,000 people are born. It's simple math--there just aren't enough homes for all of these animals.

• Is it safe to assume if my pet is a male, I will not have any litters?

  No, this is not a safe assumption. These animals are a very big part of the pet overpopulation problem because they escape and breed with females in heat.

• "Breeding is the only way for my children to see the miracle of birth."

  School programming, virtual computers or films can convey the same information in a more caring way. Visiting the local zoo or science center are also available.

• Shouldn't my pet have at least one litter?

  Having a litter does not in any way improve or change a pet's disposition and can drain her body of nutrients, make her thin, and weaken her teeth and bones.

• Isn't spaying & neutering painful for the pet?

  Surgery is performed under anesthesia and animals are usually back on their feet and into normal activities within 24 to 72 hours.

• Will neutering make my pet less protective?

  Instinct is not affected by hormones. In fact, most pets will actually be more effective at protection after spaying/neutering, as they will have stabilized hormones.

• Will my pet get fat and lazy after being spayed or neutered?

  Spaying and neutering will not make animals lazy or affect weight gain. Proper amounts of exercise are necessary to maintain the health of your pet.

• “I paid good money for my dog, so shouldn't I breed in order to get my money back?”

  Unless you have a champion dog and can enhance the breed line of your pet's offspring, you will not be successful at making money. Buying or adopting a pet is a commitment and should only be done for the good of the pet and not for breeding purposes that lead to increased overpopulation.