Questions to Ask a Breeder Before Getting a Pet: A Detailed Guide

When you're considering adding a new kitten or puppy to your family, it's essential to ensure that you're adopting from a responsible and ethical breeder. This ensures the health, temperament, and overall well-being of your new pet. With some breeds being sold for thousands of dollars you want to make sure you are contributing to responsible breeding. Here’s a detailed guide on the questions you should ask a breeder before getting a pet, along with explanations of why each question is important:

Questions About the Breeder

How long have you been breeding this breed?

• Why it matters: Experience is crucial in breeding. Breeders with more experience tend to have a better understanding of the breed's characteristics, health issues, and temperament.

Are you a member of any breed-specific clubs or organisations?

• Why it matters: Membership in reputable organisations often indicates a commitment to ethical breeding practices and adherence to breed standards.

Can you provide references from previous buyers?

• Why it matters: Speaking with previous buyers can provide insights into their experience with the breeder, the health and temperament of their pets, and the breeder's level of support after the sale.

Do you follow a specific breeding program?

• Why it matters: A structured breeding program shows the breeder's dedication to improving the breed and maintaining healthy genetic lines.

Questions About the Parent Animals

Can I meet the puppy's or kitten’s parents?

• Why it matters: Observing the parents' health and temperament can give you an idea of what to expect in your new pet. It also ensures that the breeding animals are kept in good conditions.

What health tests have the parents undergone?

• Why it matters: Breeds have specific health issues, and responsible breeders test for these conditions. Knowing the tests and results can help you assess the likelihood of genetic health problems in your new pet.

What is the temperament of the parents?

• Why it matters: The parents' behaviour can be a strong indicator of the potential temperament of their offspring. This is important for ensuring the new pet will fit well into your home environment.

Questions About the Puppies or Kittens

At what age do you allow the puppies/kittens to go to their new homes?

• Why it matters: Puppies and kittens should stay with their mother and littermates until they are at least 8-12 weeks old to ensure proper social and emotional development.

What socialisation experiences do the puppies/kittens have before leaving?

• Why it matters: Early socialisation is crucial for developing a well-adjusted pet. Exposure to different people, environments, and situations helps them grow into confident, adaptable adults.

Have the puppies/kittens received any vaccinations or health check-ups?

• Why it matters: Ensuring that the pet has received appropriate veterinary care, including vaccinations and deworming, is essential for their health and reduces the risk of early illness.

What kind of food are the puppies/kittens currently eating?

• Why it matters: Knowing their current diet helps you maintain consistency and avoid digestive upset during the transition to your home.

Questions About the Adoption Process

Do you offer a health guarantee or contract?

• Why it matters: A health guarantee demonstrates the breeder's confidence in the health of their animals. It also provides you with protection in case of unforeseen health issues.

What support do you offer after adoption?

• Why it matters: Ongoing support from the breeder can be invaluable, especially for first-time pet owners or when dealing with breed-specific issues.

What is your return policy if things do not work out?

• Why it matters: Responsible breeders will take back their animals if the adoption does not work out, ensuring the pet does not end up in a shelter.

General Care and Maintenance Questions

Can you provide a copy of the puppy's/kitten's pedigree?

• Why it matters: A pedigree provides information about the animal’s lineage, helping you understand potential genetic issues and confirming the animal’s breed status.

What kind of grooming and care will this breed require?

• Why it matters: Different breeds have different grooming and care needs. Understanding these requirements ensures you are prepared for the commitment involved in maintaining your pet's health and appearance.

Do you have any advice for first-time pet owners?

• Why it matters: Breeders can offer valuable insights and tips for raising your new pet, based on their extensive experience with the breed.

What training methods do you recommend?

• Why it matters: Getting the breeder's advice on training can help you start on the right foot with your new pet, especially with breed-specific training techniques.

Additional Questions

How many litters do you breed per year?

• Why it matters: Breeding too many litters can be a sign of a puppy mill or a breeder focused more on profit than the well-being of the animals.

Where are the puppies/kittens raised?

• Why it matters: Puppies and kittens raised in a home environment are usually better socialised than those raised in isolated kennels or cages.

Can you provide veterinary records for the puppy/kitten?

• Why it matters: Ensuring that the animal has received proper veterinary care is crucial for their health. Records provide proof of vaccinations, deworming, and any other medical treatments.

What is your policy on spaying/neutering?

• Why it matters: Responsible breeders often have policies regarding spaying/neutering to prevent overpopulation and ensure the health of the animals.

How do you select breeding pairs?

• Why it matters: Understanding the criteria for selecting breeding pairs can give you insight into the breeder's commitment to health, temperament, and breed standards.

Can you describe a typical day for your puppies/kittens?

• Why it matters: This question helps you understand the level of care and socialisation the animals receive daily.

By asking these detailed questions, you can ensure that you are working with a responsible and ethical breeder who prioritises the health, well-being, and proper development of their animals. This thorough approach helps you make an informed decision and sets the foundation for a happy and healthy relationship with your new companion.