How to Breed Your Pet and Sell the Litter

If you have discipline, a passion for animals, and a willingness to do extensive research, breeding can be a fascinating way to earn money and a great way to be around animals. The mother and newborns will need round-the-clock care and, in most cases, cuddling. If profit is your only goal, you may become frustrated with all the work that goes into breeding pets.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mating pairs

1. Confirm that there's a demand for the pet you intend to breed. Animal shelters are full of unwanted cats, dogs and other pets who will be put down if homes are not found.

2. Calculate medical, food, equipment and other breeding expenses. Factor in the time and energy it will take. Will you be able to make a profit?

3. Attend shows and join clubs or associations that specialize in your pet breed to stay abreast of news and to learn breeding guidelines. Talk to other breeders and get as much information as you can.

4. Read up on the reproductive cycle, mating habits, gestation, birthing process, newborn care and weaning process of your pet.

5. Advertise your intention to breed your bird, fish or other pet in newspapers or online before you begin the mating process. It is irresponsible to breed animals without finding prospective owners beforehand.

6. Select your mating pair. Make sure both animals are licensed and pedigreed, if applicable. A veterinarian or pet expert can help identify the sex of birds, fish, amphibians or reptiles.

7. Bring your mating pair to a vet for a prebreeding exam. The vet will check for genetic defects, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues.

8. Mate the pair according to your research and the vet's advice. Provide attentive care to the mother and newborns.

9. Screen potential owners thoroughly. Look for caring, responsible owners.

Tips & Warnings

• Breeding dogs and cats is a full-time job that requires professional knowledge and is not an easy way to make money.
• Though you can sell puppies and kittens in advance, don't separate them from their mother until they are 8 weeks old.
• It might be easy to breed prolific reproducers, such as rabbits, gerbils and guppies, but you'll have a hard time selling the offspring for a profit.
• Thousands of unwanted pets are euthanized every year. Don't add to the problem with poorly planned breeding.

[kellio1234]

on 10/28/2008 "Obviously there are plenty of people not satisfied with the junk cats in shelters"

JUNK cats in shelters? This is one of the most callous, horrible statements I've ever heard.

What about all the purebred cats and dogs in shelters--are they "quality" pets one day and then turn to "junk" the day they're dropped off at the shelter?

And the idea that any purebred animal is better than a mixed breed is heartless. Are YOU purebred?

Heartless.

[geniusiknowit]

on 5/11/2008 "Why on God's green earth would any one want to breed cats?"
Because people want quality cats. They want to choose what kind of cat they're going to adopt into their family. Obviously there are plenty of people not satisfied with the junk cats in shelters, and are willing to pay for ones from a good breeder.

[geniusiknowit]

on 5/11/2008 "Why on God's green earth would any one want to breed cats?"
Because people want quality cats. They want to choose what kind of cat they're going to adopt into their family. Obviously there are plenty of people not satisfied with the junk cats in shelters, and are willing to pay for ones from a good breeder.

[geniusiknowit]

on 5/11/2008 "Why on God's green earth would any one want to breed cats?"
Because people want quality cats. They want to choose what kind of cat they're going to adopt into their family. Obviously there are plenty of people not satisfied with the junk cats in shelters, and are willing to pay for ones from a good breeder.

[compassion]

on 9/6/2007 Cats are euthanized by the hundreds of thousands in this country. Many more unwanted strays and ferals live a horrendous life trying to eek out a living in an unforgiving urban environment. Why on God's green earth would any one want to breed cats?