If you’ve decided to buy a puppy rather than adopt, choosing a reputable breeder is crucial. A responsible breeder prioritizes the health, wellbeing, and socialisation of their puppies — not just profit. Here’s how to identify ethical breeders and avoid supporting the cruel puppy trade.
What Does a Good Breeder Do?
- Spends time talking with you to understand if you’re ready for a puppy.
- Arranges visits so you can meet the puppies, their mother, and siblings in their home environment.
- Is happy to schedule multiple visits to ensure the puppy is a good match for your household.
- Answers all your questions — and asks you plenty too.
- Shows you their breeding licence if they’re running a commercial breeding business.
- Provides documents including vaccination records, microchip details, and results of any health tests.