Fact: Countless books and videos are available to teach your children about birth in a responsible manner. How to be a responsible pet owner, and the importance of reducing pet overpopulation is just as important for children to learn. Anyone who has seen an animal euthanized in a shelter for lack of a home knows the truth behind this dangerous myth.

Myth: It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.

Fact: Information regarding low cost spay/neuter programs in Alameda County is listed on our website. For your pets long-term health, spaying and neutering can prevent certain kinds of reproductive cancers, uterine infections reduce the incidence of mammary (breast) cancer, and prostate problems often seen in older dogs, just to name a few.

Myth: My dog/cat is so special, I want a puppy/kitten just like them.

Fact: A dog or cat may be a great pet, but that doesn't mean her offspring will be a carbon copy. Professional animal breeders who follow generations of bloodlines can't guarantee they will get just what they want out of a particular litter. A pet owner's chances are even slimmer. In fact, an entire litter of puppies of kittens might receive all of a pet's (and her mate's) worst characteristics.

Myth: My pet is a purebred.

Fact: So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats-mixed breed and purebred. There is a lot more to being a breeder than a purebred having a litter. Please, do not support backyard breeding. These quick-buck breeders use animals that rarely meet breed standard-which can compromise the health and temperament of the animal, among other things. Do your homework on the differences between good and bad breeders so you can make an informed decision.

Myth: I want my dog to be protective.

Fact: Spaying and neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.

Myth: My pet will get fat and lazy.

Fact: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise.

Also see the Benefits of Spaying and Neutering!