How To: Buy From a Responsible Breeder

So we know that pet stores should be avoided because of their connection to puppy mills, but how do you know if a breeder is responsible?

Take a look at the below list from the ASPCA to find out!

To spot a responsible breeder, look out for someone who:

• Never sells puppies to a dealer or pet shop.
• Screens animals for heritable diseases and removes affected animals from breeding program. Affected animals are altered; may be placed as pets as long as health issues are disclosed to buyers/adopters.
• Removes aggressive animals from breeding program; alters or euthanizes them.
• Keeps animals healthy and well-socialized.
• Never keeps more dogs than they can provide with the highest level of care, including quality food, clean water, proper shelter from heat or cold, exercise, socialization and professional veterinary care.
• Has working knowledge of genetics and generally avoids inbreeding.
• Bases breeding frequency on mother’s health, age, condition and recuperative abilities.
• Does not breed extremely young or old animals.
• Often breeds and rears dogs in the home, where they are considered part of the family.
• Ensures newborn animals are kept clean, warm, fed, vetted and with the mother until weaned; begins socialization of puppies at three weeks of age.
• Screens potential guardians; discusses positive and negative aspects of animal/breed.
• Ensures animals are weaned (eight to ten weeks of age for dogs and cats) before placement.
• Offers guidance and support to new guardians.
• Provides an adoption/purchase contract in plain English that spells out breeder’s responsibilities, adopter’s responsibilities, health guarantees and return policy.
• Provides accurate and reliable health, vaccination and pedigree information.
• Makes sure pet-quality animals are sold on a limited registration (dogs only), spay/neuter contract, or are altered before placement.
• Will take back any animal of their breeding, at any time and for any reason.