There are two types of pet breeders: those who breed to simply make an easy profit and those who breed to sell healthy pets to loving families. Unfortunately, there are many backyard breeders in the USA, making finding responsible pet breeders difficult.
What many fail to understand is that pet breeding is a huge responsibility that takes commitment, patience, and knowledge. A good breeder is always willing to give their pet the best care and provide it with a nurturing home. If you find the companionship of your pet rewarding and would like to continue its bloodline responsibly, here are six important things to follow:
#1 Focus on a Particular Breed
The purpose of breeding is to develop a pet that has a good temperament and is generally healthy. This is why responsible pet breeders often specialize in only one or two animals at a time. This way, they can better understand their breed’s traits and needs and produce a litter that has a desirable quality.
Before choosing the sire and dam to mate, do thorough research on their pedigrees, personalities, medical histories, nutrition requirements, and exercise needs. Select a mating pair that is compatible and complements each other. Do not base your choice on appearance alone.
#2 Choose a Reputable Veterinarian
It is absolutely important that both sire and dam receive regular checkups from a licensed veterinarian before breeding. All animals should be screened for genetic problems and given the proper shots to ensure they are conditioned to mate. They may be required to undergo eye and hearing testing, elbow grading, hip scoring, and deworming.
Responsible pet breeders always want the best doctors to care for their animals. Visit several veterinarians in your area and take time to assess their background, education, and experience before making a decision.
#3 Register Your Pet
Registration is part of responsible pet ownership. Breeders should register their animals with their local council so that they can easily be contacted if their pets stray. Every time an owner moves, they should re-register their pets and update their details with their new council. Bear in mind that each council has its own rules, so it is recommended to visit its website or contact it directly.
Some local councils make microchipping mandatory before registration for the same purpose of helping reunite lost pets with their owners. A microchip is an implantable monitoring device that contains a pet’s information. Only authorized implanters and registered veterinarians who have completed training are approved by law to perform the procedure.
#4Â Provide Your Pet with the Best Care
Responsible pet breeders make it their obligation to have an in-depth understanding of their litter’s needs and well-being. They provide their animals with a comfortable shelter and safe environment to nurse, explore, play, exercise, and sleep. Surroundings are clean and free of potential dangers. Crates or kennels are secure and have adequate ventilation.
Aside from housing, a good breeder provides their animals with all essentials. These include high-quality food, clean water, warm bedding, toys, early socialization and training, grooming supplies, and veterinary care.
#5 Educate Your Buyers
One of the things that separate a good breeder from a backyard breeder is their knowledge about their animals. Responsible pet breeders can provide plenty of information about their litter, including its temperament, health history, and caring needs. They are transparent and will provide references without hesitation. They can honestly answer any question their buyer might ask, including medical issues and other problems. Finally, responsible pet breeders are willing to have potential buyers meet at least one of the parents as well as show where their litter is being raised.
#6 Make Sure Your Pet Goes to a Loving Home
A good breeder cares about the welfare of their pet, so they carefully screen potential buyers to make sure their litter will be given the same love and dedication. Typical questions they ask prospective owners include their purpose of wanting a pet, time commitment, and attitude towards training.
The last thing responsible pet breeders want is for their litter to end up in a shelter or on the streets. To ensure this, they have buyers sign an adoption contract that states the latter’s responsibilities. Breeders also stay in contact with their buyers and offer a return policy in case of issues like a health crisis, job loss, or divorce.
Summary:
Register as a dog breeder with an organization that is prepared and willing to make sure pets are bred ethically and responsibly. Aligning yourself with a reputable organization will help people trust you more and will also ensure that your puppies find caring and happy homes.Â