About Us

Responsible Pet Breeders (RPB) is an organization dedicated to the responsible breeding and ownership of dogs and cats. One of the main guiding principles of Responsible Pet Breeders is that dog and cat breeders and owners need a space where they can come together as a community to ensure the well-being of their animals. This is coupled with the desire for all cats and dogs to be treated ethically and humanely, with compassion and love, whether or not the animals are purebred. These core values have guided the organization since its inception, and they remain until today.

We recognize that the rules and regulations that govern most breeders do not always guarantee the long-term health and success of most pets, which is why RPB members must abide by our strict Code of Ethics in addition to their state legislation.

The goal of RPB is to find suitable, loving homes for all dogs and cats, whether or not they are purebred. We believe that pedigree should not be an obstacle for an animal to be taken care of or loved.

To achieve this goal, we believe that non-pedigree breeders have a responsibility to provide the same level of care that is expected of pedigree breeders. RPB exists to establish guidelines, impose standards, and enforce a Code of Ethics for the treatment of all pets, to be followed by all its members. In doing this, we hope to ensure humane living conditions and a compassionate upbringing for all pets, including dogs and cats that are bred and sold.

To become an RPB member, a breeder must agree to uphold the strict guidelines of the RPB for the care and raising of their animals as outlined below. The guidelines may be changed at any time without prior notice, especially as new information becomes available regarding best practices for the welfare of the animals. Members are obligated to stay up-to-date with the guidelines and make changes to their breeding practices and animal care practices accordingly.

RPB does not accept breeders with more than 10 fertile breeding dogs or cats. Any breeder who has applied for membership and has more than 10 breeding dogs or cats will be automatically denied membership.

If you have a concern or question, please fill out this form.

Responsible Pet Breeders (RPB) was founded in 2018 on the principle that all dog and cat breeders and owners should have a platform to share their voice and ensure the well-being of cats and dogs, to be treated ethically, with love and care, regardless of whether they are purebred or not.

Other organizations such as breeder clubs only monitor breeds with long pedigrees, especially for competition confirmation, but we recognize that these rules do not guarantee the health of most pets and suitability for most pet owners nationwide.

The RPB goal is that all dogs and cats should find the right suitable loving family home whether they are purebred or not, after all, not all animals are pedigree across the United States.

We believe that non-pedigree breeders should follow the same level of care and consideration, and so the RPB has been formed to provide guidelines, a code of ethics and standards and recognition to all breeders, not just the ones with pedigrees.

The aim of our site is to ensure the absolute best conditions/upbringing for all dogs and cats that are bred and sold, for the welfare of the animals and new owners alike.

In order to be an RPB member, breeders must uphold strict ethical guidelines, as outlined below. These requirements may be updated at any time, especially in response to new developments in pet care and breeding. Where members must continue to develop and sustain their practices accordingly.

We do not accept members with more than 10 fertile breeding dogs or cats. Applicants who have applied for an RPB membership and have more than 10 breeding dogs or cats will be declined membership.

If you have a concern or complaint please fill out this form. 

Code of Ethics

Our Code of Ethics, Standards and Membership Requirements:

Responsible Pet Breeders (RPB)

1. Legislative Requirements

1.1 All RPB Members, probationary and full, hereby agree to and must always comply with federal, state, county, city or any other applicable ordinances, legislation, regulation and practices that apply to the owning, keeping, breeding and selling of dogs and cats.

1.2 RPB members are responsible for ensuring that they are aware of all current legislation, regulations, standards and requirements, and codes of practice that apply to the welfare, ownership, breeding, keeping, selling and management of dogs and cats.

1.3 Members will report any breaches of the Code of Ethics by other members that they become aware of to the RPB and relevant authorities.

1.4 Members must ensure that they have the required licenses/permits/registrations for keeping, breeding and selling animals in their area.

1.5 Where required, members must ensure all of their animals are registered, as per their state requirements.

1.6 Members are required to ensure they are in compliance with federal and state legislations regards to the breeding, owning and selling of animals. RPB takes no responsibility for breeders who are not in compliance with legislation. RPB requirements in regards to animal limits only apply where your state allows more than the RPB membership allowances.

2. Membership Requirements

2.1 In order to move from probationary member to full member, RPB members must have their premises audited by a practicing veterinarian.

2.2 Members can hold probationary status for a maximum of 12 months. After this time a member must have a vet audit completed to be able to continue with membership.

2.3 Members must provide a form of photographic identification in order to have their application processed.

2.4 Upon the request of the RPB, members must provide updated images or videos of their premises and information on their breeding animals. This can be requested up to 4 times per year.

2.5 RPB members can have a maximum of 10 breeding females under their care at any time, regardless of the location they are kept, or species (cat or dog). RPB defines a breeding female as any unspayed female over the age of 4 months old.

2.6 RPB must be notified by members in writing within 7 days of any changes to the following: Name, Contact Number, Contact Email, Address, Number of Breeding animals, Breed of breeding animals, licensing/registration numbers (applicable to ownership and breeding of animals)

2.7 RPB members understand that the RPB reserves the right to cancel or suspend a membership for any reason. Including but not limited to: breach of Code of Ethics, breach of legislation, animal welfare concerns, lack of response to the investigation and any other reason found by the RPB. RPB is not required to give notice for such cancellations or suspensions.

3. Animal Husbandry Requirements

3.1 RPB will ensure their animals are kept under effective control at all times, for both the safety of the animals and the community.

3.2 All animals are to be fed a complete premium diet appropriate for the age/breed/species and development stage of the animal.

3.3. All animals are to be up to date with vaccinations, flea and worming treatments. This is inclusive of adult animals and animals to be sold.

3.4 Animals must be microchipped.

3.5 All animals must receive veterinary care immediately for any signs of injury/illness or abnormal behaviors. Veterinary consultation must also be sought before, during and after the breeding process.

3.6 Animals must come with first vaccinations and be up to date with worming/parasite treatment in order to keep them free from common infectious diseases and external and internal parasites. This applies to breeding parents, and the puppies and kittens available for sale.

3.7 Cats and dogs shall not be housed in cages other than transport or illness treatment/quarantine (only if advised/approved by a vet).

3.8 Animals must spend the majority of their lives in communal runs or with free areas to move in, and have access to natural lighting/ventilation, whereas cages may only be employed for transport, safety during recovery from disease or injury, and closely monitored crate training (only if advised/approved by a vet).

3.9 In the event that euthanasia is both necessary and humane (including cases of dangerous and intractable behaviors that preclude rehoming, where all other options have been exhausted, or life-threatening or chronically painful conditions that eliminate the reasonable probability of the animal having sufficient ongoing quality of life). The procedure must be performed by a qualified veterinarian and a detailed explanation must be provided.

3.10 Members that are housing dogs that are being bred in foster homes must ensure that those homes are subject to the same process of approval by a veterinarian and breeders retain all responsibilities for animal care and welfare (including rehoming them, if necessary, upon retirement), as well as responsibility for selling puppies and kittens conforming with the RPB’s code of ethics and standards. It’s recommended that a foster care contract outlining the various responsibilities and duties of the foster family and owner is provided, although the ultimate responsibility of the RPB’s code of ethics & standards remains with the owner & caretaker of the animal.

3.11 No animal may undergo any of the following procedures unless for a medical reason which is supported with a written recommendation by a veterinary practitioner: ear cropping, tail docking, dog debarking, declawing.

3.12 All animals must have access, in their housing area, at all times, to a supply of fresh, clean water.

3.13 Disinfection and hygiene must be undertaken on a regular basis to ensure all areas where animals have access to are clean and free of feces and urine.

For dogs: All pens and kennels used to house animals must be clean and hygienic at all times, and must be cleaned of feces, wasted food and soiled bedding daily.

For cats: All cages and modules used to house animals must be clean and hygienic at all times, and must be cleaned of soiled litter, soiled bedding and toys daily.

3.14 All new animals will undergo a vet assessment, any recommended testing, and a mandatory quarantine period before being introduced to any existing animals at the property.

3.15 Animals are fed, watered, exercised and cared for for appropriate age/breed/size/medical requirements. This includes regular appropriate enrichment, grooming and handling.

3.16 Animals are to be exercised each day for appropriate age/breed/size medical requirements.

Puppies under 8 weeks: normal movement in whelping box/pen area.

Puppies over 8 weeks but under 16 weeks: minimum of 20 min run/playtime daily in a secure area. Exercise may include an introduction to daily walks on a lead or basic obedience training.

Dogs over 16 weeks of age: minimum of 30 min exercise twice a day with at least 2 hours between each session. Exercise may include on-lead walking or off-lead run/playtime in a secure area or obedience training.

Pregnant bitches over 7 weeks gestation: gentle exercise for a minimum of 20 min each day, twice daily

For all other dogs (senior, injured, ill or recovering): As per veterinary advice.

3.17 Animals are to be provided enrichment for appropriate age/breed/size/ medical requirements.

Puppies under 8 weeks: a variety of surfaces and textures to explore e.g. hard floors, soft bedding, newspaper, real or artificial turf.

Puppies over 8 weeks but under 16 weeks: a variety of surfaces and textures to explore, a variety of objects to develop motor skills e.g. toys. These must be rotated on a weekly basis.

Kittens under 4 weeks of age: a variety of surfaces and textures to explore e.g. hard floors, soft bedding, newspaper.

Kittens over 4 weeks of age: climbing and perching areas, scratch poles, variety of toys which must be rotated weekly, variety of items to stimulate senses e.g. catnip, grass.

3.18 Animals are to be socialized with other animals and humans (where age and vaccination status allows) on a regular basis.

Puppies under 8 weeks: must include exposure to humans daily and littermates.

Puppies over 8 weeks but under 16 weeks: must include exposure to humans through daily and positive interactions e.g. play with toys. May include interaction with other vaccinated dogs.

Dogs over 16 weeks: Must include exposure to humans through daily handling and positive interactions (such as playtime) outside of daily cleaning/feeding routine. Must include play and exercise time with a variety of other vaccinated dogs that are socially compatible.

Kittens under 8 weeks: Must include exposure to humans daily and littermates.

Kittens over 8 weeks: Must be provided with daily exposure to humans through handling and interactive play using toys outside of daily cleaning/feeding routine. Must be provided with the opportunity to socialize with other animals/cats of appropriate vaccination status and temperament

3.19 Animals must be handled for appropriate age/breed/size/medical requirements.

Puppies under 4 weeks of age: 5 min handling daily per puppy

Puppies over 4 weeks but under 8 weeks: minimum 30 min human handling per litter daily

Puppies over 8 weeks: minimum 30 min handling per puppy/dog per day

Kittens under 4 weeks of age: must be handled for a minimum of 5 min per kitten per day

Kittens over 4 weeks but under 8 weeks: minimum 30 min human handling per litter daily

Kittens over 8 weeks: minimum 30 min handling per kitten/cat per day.

4. Breeding Requirements

4.1 Members must ensure only healthy animals are bred.

4.2. Due consideration must be given before mating takes place to the potential health risks of such a mating. This includes sizes of the bitch and stud, bitch’s ability to whelp puppies, predisposed breed conditions. RPB reserves the right to revoke memberships in circumstances where there is a significant or problematic size difference between dam and sire.

4.3 Retired breeding cats and dogs are required to be spayed and be kept as family pets or re-homed.

4.4 Breeding females must be retired from breeding before they turn 6 years old.

4.5 Breeding males must be retired from breeding before they turn 6 years of age, unless a veterinary breeding clearance certificate has been obtained. Annual breeding clearance certificates are required for male dogs to continue breeding beyond 6 years of age.

4.6 All animals must be at least 12 months of age prior to their first mating.

4.7 Members must make all reasonable attempts to ensure that animals they are breeding from are free from heritable diseases.

4.8 Breeding females are not to have more than 3 litters in any 2-year period without the written approval of a veterinary practitioner.

For dogs: females must have no more than 5 litters in their lifetime.

For cats: females must have no more than 8 litters in their lifetime.

4.9 Proper records must be maintained of all breeding activities and must be produced when requested to the RPB. This includes, but is not limited to: vaccinations, flea and worming treatments, microchipping, veterinary visits, new owner information, matings and methods, litter dates, litter sizes and pre-mating and postpartum health checks. These records must be kept for a period of 7 years.

4.10 Breeding mates must not be closely related i.e. first-degree mating (father and daughter, brother and sister, or mother and son) must not occur, and second-degree (grandparent to grandchild, uncle/aunt to niece/nephew, cousin to cousin) mating is not recommended without prior veterinary advice and written approval from RPB.

4.11 Pre-breeding health checks must occur prior to first mating of any animal, and at least annual health checks are required thereafter.

4.12 Female dogs and cats should have postpartum health checks within 8 weeks postpartum.

4.13 Bitches and Queens are to have an area separate from other animals where they can raise their litter.

4.14 Puppies and kittens under 6 weeks of age must be kept separate from animals from outside of the household/premise.

5. Sale Requirements

5.1 Kittens and puppies may be sold and re-homed only after 8 weeks old (age). They must have had their 6-week first vaccination.

5.2 Kittens and puppies, when sold commercially, may only be sold to RPB-audited pet stores, never at shows or fairs.

5.3 Sale of kittens and puppies cannot be made by or to a person under 18 years of age.

5.4 All advertisements for dogs and cats for sale must include the animal’s microchip number, relevant Breeder/Supplier number and vaccination status.

5.5 RPB members shall honestly share the upbringing/breeding/temperament of their kittens or puppies with prospective owners.

5.6 Breeders must ask potential owners the following questions and be satisfied to a reasonable degree by the answers from prospective buyers that the animals’ welfare will not be compromised:

• How long has it been since you decided to buy a puppy/kitten, and what preparation have you undertaken?
• Do you live in a house, and is your property fully fenced/secure for the type of animal you are hoping to purchase? What sort of housing do you have for the puppy or kitten?
• What made you choose this particular breed?
• Are you fully aware of the life expectancy, ongoing cost expectations, and dietary/housing/exercise/health/training needs of a puppy or kitten?
• Do you have other pets, and are they up-to-date with their vaccinations and parasite prevention?
• Do you have pet insurance, or will you set aside savings for the unfortunate event of disease or injury in your pet’s future?

5.7 Breeders must fully disclose any and all known hereditary and or pre-existing conditions in writing to the new owner.

5.8 Breeders must provide new and potential owners with comprehensive general information including feeding, spaying, vet care, worming, and flea treatment for their animal. These fact sheets must include at a minimum the below:

• General care requirements of the species, including appropriate diet and feeding regimes and expected costs
• The usual lifespan of the breed/species
• The minimum and recommended requirements for humane and secure shelter and accommodation, as well as common-sense advice in this area (e.g. maximum time an animal can be left unattended, shelter from the sun and water requirements during summer, etc.)
• The minimum and recommended requirements for social contact with humans and other animals of the same species, as well as recommended types and levels of exercise
• The minimum and recommended requirements for the prevention and control of common diseases, parasites, behavioral conditions and emergencies, both in general and in relation to the particular species or breed, and advice on identifying and managing or responding to such events
• Relevant information about the legal requirements for pet ownership in your state or area
• Any other information that the purchaser must reasonably be made aware of

5.9 RPB members must accurately represent the breed of any animal sold.

6. Post Sale Requirements

6.1 RPB members are solely responsible for rehoming any owned animals in their care or that have been bred during the animal’s lifetime. Should an animal be rendered homeless, the RPB is happy to assist and provide advice where possible. The amount refunded to the buyer for the return of an animal is at the breeders’ discretion, outside of the three-day cooling-off period.

6.2 Upon the sale of a puppy or kitten, RPB members must agree to provide a three-day ‘cooling-off’ period, in which the animal may be returned for any reason. If this is done during the cooling-off period, it is at the Breeders discretion what refund will apply, however a minimum of 50% refund is required to be given (this may exclude any transport expenses incurred during the sale).

6.3 A post-sale agreement outlining all health tests completed by a veterinarian must be provided at the time of sale, including information on other unpreventable and/or untestable conditions, and for which conditions refunds will be offered

6.4 Expenses for the treatment of preventable genetic and/or preventable health problems which can be reasonably tested for, which are present from birth, or which arise in the first 12 months of the dogs’ or cats’ life, which are not disclosed/have not presented prior to sale, are the sole responsibility of the RBP-approved breeder, up to the price of the animal. This also includes costs and veterinary care associated with any disease or injuries present during the time of sale. Breeders must cover these costs up to the price of the animal (no more than the cost of the animal is claimable) once written confirmation from a vet has been received. Alternatively, if both parties are in agreement, the breeder may receive the animal back with a refund of the original cost of the animal (as well as taking responsibility for the medical condition and if possible, for the re-homing of the animal), or replace the animal with a healthy individual. Conditions that have been disclosed in writing prior to sale or are not able to be tested for are the responsibility of the buyer.

The Responsible Pet Breeders (RPB) community has always been dedicated to the ethical, loving, and careful treatment of both dogs and cats, no matter what breed they are.

Initially founded in Australia in 2018 and rapidly growing to over 16,000 members, we’ve elevated breeding standards in Australia and are now expanding to the USA.

In our mission to find suitable, loving family homes for all pets, we emphasize that every animal deserves the same level of care, respect, and suitable upbringing whether or not they are purebred pedigree. RPB is committed to extending this vision and mission to the United States.

What Sets Us Apart?

• Inclusivity: We firmly believe that all ethical breeds (purebred or not) should be held to the same high standards. Thus, RPB has been established to provide guidelines, a code of ethics, standards, and recognition to breeders of all kinds.
• Absolute Care: Our primary aim remains the well-being and optimal conditions for all bred and sold pets. We believe that ensuring this will be beneficial not only for the animals but also for their new families.
• Ethical Standards: Every RPB member, whether in Australia or the USA, must adhere to stringent ethical guidelines. We regularly update these requirements in line with the latest insights into pet care and breeding, ensuring that our members continue to evolve and refine their practices.
• Limitations for Welfare: Recognizing the importance of quality over quantity, we do not accept members with more than 10 fertile breeding dogs or cats. Those applying for membership and exceeding this number will not be considered.

While we cherish our legacy in Australia, we’re excited about the journey ahead in the USA. Together, with breeders and pet enthusiasts like you, we aim to create a future where every pet experiences love, care, and the right home.

For any queries or concerns, please fill out this form. Your feedback helps us remain accountable and continuously improve.