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Myths and Truths

In order to reduce strays, we need to focus on responsible pet ownership and debunk some of the frequent myths:

Myth 1: “It’s good for a female to give birth once before sterilization”

Truth: There’s no health or behavioral benefit to letting a female dog or cat have a litter first.

In fact, spaying before the first heat dramatically reduces the risk of (a) mammary (breast) cancer by up to 99%, (b) pyometra, a dangerous and often fatal uterine infection, (c) ovarian and uterine cancers.

Allowing a dog or cat to have a litter adds to the millions of unwanted stray companion animals already in shelters or on the street. Spaying helps prevent contributing to this issue. Pregnancy and birth can lead to complications, vet bills, or even loss of the mother or puppies or kittens. It’s not as easy as many people assume.

The idea that she needs to have a litter first is outdated and not backed by modern veterinary science.

Female dogs also do not want to experience motherhood. – This is a classic example of human emotions being projected onto animals. Animals act on instinct, not dreams of family life. Once the hormonal phase passes, many animals don’t even stay attached to their young long-term. In many cases, if allowed, moms will wean and separate from their litter quickly—and males usually are not involved at all.

Myth 2: “They’ll get fat if sterilized”

Truth: Neutering doesn’t cause weight gain—too much food and too little exercise do.

Weight gain depends on diet and exercise. Metabolism may slow slightly after sterilization, so dogs and cats might need a bit less food or more exercise. But if you adjust their diet and keep them active, they will stay at a healthy weight just like any other animal.

Gaining weight is about calories in vs. calories out, not about whether the dog or cat has reproductive organs.

Myth 3: “Their character or nature changes if neutered.”

Truth: Neutering doesn’t change who your dog or cat is—it just reduces hormone-driven behaviors. Your pet’s core personality stays the same.

What can change are hormone-driven behaviors. For dogs these behaviors include (a) less roaming to find a mate, (b) less mounting or marking, (c) less aggression linked to sexual frustration. These changes are often positive and make dogs easier to live with! Fixed cats are often (a) calmer and less territorial, (b) less likely to spray urine or yowl, (c) still loving, playful, and affectionate.

Their personality stays intact—just minus the hormone drama.

Myth 4: “Neutering is too expensive”

TRUTH: The cost of neutering is much lower compared to expenses from unwanted litters, treatments for conditions like pyometra or cancer, or injuries from fighting.

Caring for a litter (food, vet visits, vaccines, rehoming) = $$
Treating injuries from roaming, fighting, or getting hit by cars = $$$
Health issues like uterine infections, testicular cancer, or mammary tumors = $$$$

There are also free or low-cost neutering programs available.

Myth 5: “Neutering reduces a dog’s ability to guard or hunt”

TRUTH: A dog’s guarding or hunting ability is determined by breed, training, and personality – not hormones.

A dog’s ability to hunt or guard is based on instinct, genetics, intelligence, and conditioning, not because of hormones. Many top-performing hunting dogs in the US, detection dogs, and service dogs are neutered. In fact, removing hormone-driven distractions can improve focus and responsiveness during training.

Neutered dogs remain just as loyal and willing to protect their space. In fact, they may be more focused without distractions from mating behaviors or dominance challenges.

Myth 6: “Neutering is a dangerous surgery”

TRUTH: Neutering is one of the most common and safe surgical procedures for dogs and cats. When performed by an experienced veterinarian, complications are rare and risks are minimal.

The procedure is done under general anesthesia, which is carefully monitored to ensure the animal’s safety. Modern techniques and improved anesthetic protocols significantly lower the risk of complications. Pre-surgical health checks (like blood tests) are usually performed to confirm the animal’s overall health and prevent possible issues.

Recovery is generally quick. Most pets return to normal activity within a few days, and the incision typically heals within 10–14 days. With proper post-operative care and monitoring, risks of infection or other problems are very low.

Conclusion: Every surgery carries some risk, but when it comes to neutering, the health and quality-of-life benefits far outweigh the minimal risk. With the right preparation and care, neutering is a safe and necessary procedure.

However, if your dog/ cat has a medical condition that does not allow him/ her to be neutered, you MUST by law submit a DNA sample to the Companion Animal Genetic Material Laboratory, via a veterinarian, to avoid a fine of 1000€, starting on July 1st, 2025.

Myth 7: “The microchip is a GPS tracker”

Truth: Microchipping is compulsory, but the microchip is not a GPS tracker.

Failing to microchip exposes the owner to a 300€ fine per pet. Microchipping causes minimal discomfort, like a routine vaccination or injection. The microchip (about the size of a grain of rice) is inserted just under the skin, typically between the shoulder blades. However, it is a small device, about the size of a grain of rice, that contains a unique, 15-digit identification number. This number is linked to your contact information in the National Pet Registry.

Unlike a GPS, the microchip does not provide real-time location tracking. It simply helps identify your pet if it gets lost and is scanned by a vet, animal shelter, or the authorities.

Myth 8: “I heard about DNA as an alternative to neutering, but DNA isn’t reliable and doesn’t work in practice”

Truth: Under law 4830/2021, any dog or cat that is not neutered must provide a DNA sample after the age of 18 months, recorded in the National Pet Registry. DNA parentage determination is highly accurate.

This information is updated in the National Pet Registry. DNA parentage determination is highly accurate, using internationally accepted standards. It checks 381 SNP markers in dogs and 111 in cats, with a margin of error as low as 1 in 1 quadrillion. DNA identification works much like a fingerprint in humans — it is unique to each animal and allows for precise matching of offspring to their biological parents. That’s why it is one of the most reliable tools for preventing illegal breeding and abandonment.

The offspring’s DNA can accurately identify the mother — and therefore the responsible guardian.

There is already a real case in Megara, Greece, where abandoned puppies were matched via DNA to a microchipped female dog, leading to the identification and prosecution of the owner.

DNA collection is simple, quick, and painless. It is done by taking a very small blood sample (0.5–2 ml), by a veterinarian.

Genetic identification is a powerful tool in the fight against uncontrolled reproduction and abandonment if the owner chooses not to neuter.

Myth 9: “There’s no official lab or storage facility for the DNA”

Truth: The Laboratory for the Preservation and Analysis of Companion Animal Genetic Material has been fully operational since January 2024.

It is the official body responsible for securely storing and managing all submitted DNA samples. There is a structured national system in place to ensure proper handling, traceability, and compliance with the law.