Animal shelters and rescue organizations regularly implore the public to spay or neuter their pets – and for good reason. Those organizations are on the frontlines of the battle against pet overpopulation, and see daily the negative consequences it can have. Preventing unwanted litters isn’t the only good reason to spay or neuter your pet, however. Altering a pet brings multiple benefits.

So why should you spay or neuter your pet?

1. For behavior. Unneutered male pets can cause some headaches for you, both around the house and out in public. In non-neutered dogs, hormones can fuel aggressive, territorial behavior. For you, that means that he might mark his territory inside your home and be pushy and unpleasant with other animals – whether they share your home with him or meet at the park. Unneutered males also have a propensity to roam in search of mates, and neutering will curb that impulse. Female animals that are not spayed will go into heat and that can be a frustration if you’re sharing your household with a howling cat.

2. For health. Both male and female pets can see health benefits from neutering and spaying. For females, spaying not only eliminates the health risks associated with carrying a litter, it can also prevent uterine infections and breast cancer in your pet, both of which can be fatal. It’s best if you can have the spaying done before the animal’s first heat cycle. And if you neuter your male pet before he’s 6 months old, it can reduce his chances of testicular cancer.

Some myths persist about spaying and neutering. Some say that it will make a pet overweight, or that it’s better for a female to have one litter before spaying, or that unneutered dogs are more protective – and rescue organizations fight to refute those misconception. But responsible pet owners can pitch in, too, by finding out the facts and taking action to neuter and spay.