How to Find a Responsible Dog Breeder

If you’re looking to add a new four-legged friend to your family, adoption can be a great choice. Animal shelters and rescues are brimming with wonderful dogs of all shapes and sizes in need of loving homes. However, some pet parents make the personal choice to purchase a puppy. While there’s nothing shameful about this decision, it’s absolutely crucial that you find a responsible breeder. Unfortunately, this can be difficult, even for well-meaning animal lovers. “We all want to ensure we’re not supporting puppy farmers or other unethical breeders when we purchase our puppy,” says Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinary surgeon, and consulting veterinarian at FiveBarks . “However, it is not always easy to know who is a reputable breeder and who is a con artist with a slick online profile.” Not sure where to start? Here’s everything you need to know about bringing a happy, healthy, well-adjusted puppy home from a responsible breeder. Why Finding a Good Breeder Is Important Puppies bred by so-called “puppy mills” and “backyard breeders” suffer inhumane, unsanitary, and unhealthy conditions. A 2016 report by the Humane Society found that mother dogs at these facilities can spend their entire lives isolated in dog crates. By contrast, responsible breeders provide high-quality care for their puppies, as well as the puppies’ parents, and are dedicated to placing their dogs in qualified, caring new homes. When you patronize an ethical breeder, you help end the cycle of abuse perpetuated by the puppy mill industry. Additionally, responsible breeders offer the following important benefits: How To Find a Reputable Dog Breeder Finding a reputable dog breeder can be tricky in the age of online shopping. Anyone can build a website depicting cute puppies frolicking on a bucolic farm — and in reality run a much different business. For this reason, Dr. Simon offers the following tips to get your search started on the right foot: What To Look for When Visiting the Breeder So you’ve done your research, and you’re pretty sure you’ve found the right breeder. Great! The next step is paying a visit to their home and inspecting where the puppies are being raised. Here’s what to look for: Red Flags: Signs of a Bad Breeder Once you know the signs, there are some easy ways to spot unethical breeders. Below are common red flags: The Breeder Should Ask You Questions, Too Responsible breeders won’t sell their puppies to just anyone with the funds. On the contrary, you should be prepared to be interviewed yourself, and be able to prove you’re up to the task of raising the puppy. “It’s a great sign when the breeder ‘vets’ you and wants to ensure you’ll be giving the pup a great home,” says Dr. Simon. Below are common things a responsible breeder may require: Finding the Perfect Puppy Is Worth the Wait Finding a puppy from a reputable breeder can be a time-consuming process. However, by being thorough and patient, you can ensure your new four-legged friend is happy, healthy, and prepared for family life. When you support caring breeders who have their animals’ best interests at heart, everyone benefits. Congrats on your new pet and from our puppies to yours; thank you for choosing a responsible breeder!

How to Find a Responsible Dog Breeder

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