Responsible breeding

Impulsive buying

Buying a pet is a long-term investment of money and emotional care. However, the appeal of a baby animal can be irresistible, and naturally so. They are designed to be! Big eyes, tiny paws, and those endearing giant ears… it often means that purchase decisions are ruled by the heart, when it should be a planned and logical choice instead. 

Responsible breeding is vital for the wellbeing of pets and our industry. Therefore, industry professionals carry the responsibility of educating consumers about good and responsible litter selection of puppies and kittens. 

Early experience

According to recent research, stress levels of the mother can influence puppies even whilst they are in the womb. A cocktail of stress hormones floating around a female dog’s body when she is experiencing threat or a lack of care can permanently affect the puppies. These influences mean that a puppy litter can be born with behavioural issues reflecting this, even before they have experienced the outside world. It is therefore essential for purchasers to be aware of the health and well-being of the parent female and to see her with her puppies on several occasions.

Where to look

Breeding is still unlicensed in many countries, meaning that anyone can breed a litter without health checks on the parents, or even having the right environment for them. There are few controls in place to police this, and buyer should be extremely cautious. Puppy farming, and the growing popularity in pedigree kittens, means that high prices can be demanded for very poor quality animals. The internet allows anyone to advertise without compunction. The UK Kennel Club runs an Accredited Breeder Scheme that promotes good breeding practice and aims to work together with breeders and buyers to force irresponsible breeders out of business.

Welfare and quality check

Prospective buyers must be made aware that both good and bad sellers of pups and kittens know exactly what to say. Mass producers of pups on farms, will use agent sellers to pretend the pups belong to their own dog. They may come up with convincing reasons why they have the animals for sale.

A good breeder will ask you more questions than you ask them. They will not want their pup or kitten to go to a home that will be unsuitable. This is a good sign. Consumers should find out exactly what health checks the litter have had, and ask for written evidence of this. If they are sold as pedigree, expect the papers there and then, and take copies of anything you are shown with a quick mobile phone photograph, or even video record the transaction!

Most of all, they should ask to see the female parent and visit at least three times. She may still be feeding and may not want disturbing but a good ‘mum’ will be relaxed about letting her offspring wander over to greet you once they are old enough.

Trust on instincts

If something feels wrong about the breeder or the transaction, or if the baby animal looks poorly in any way, walk away. Puppies or kittens should never be bought just to ‘save’ them from the situation, as this is supporting the bad breeder’s business and making room for another poorly animal to take their place.