How to Find a Breeder in Your Area

Finding a reputable breeder will give you the best odds of finding a healthy, socialized puppy.

For the average consumer, it's difficult to distinguish a puppy mill or kitten producer from a reputable breeder. Though even puppy mill puppies and kitten producer kittens need good homes, they are often unhealthy and unsocialized, leading to large health bills and behavior problems as they get older. To avoid this, it's important to look for reputable breeders in your area and to ask questions about the health and temperaments of its puppies or kittens and visit its facilities. There are many resources available to those willing to do their homework, and these will help you find the best puppy or kitten for your family.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Visit the American Kennel Club web site for a list of certified dog breeders. Though not all reputable breeders will belong to the American Kennel Club, that's a great place to start. If you know which breed you would like to purchase, each breed has its own national club, which can also refer you to the best breeders in your area. The cat world has no equal to this, but there are breed clubs, just as there are with dogs. If you know which breed of kitten you want, a club in your area will be able to point you in the right direction.

2. Purchase a magazine, such as "Dog Fancy" or "Cat Fancy," which allows breeders to advertise. These are national listings, but you may be surprised how many breeders are within a reasonable driving range from your home.

3. Ask pet professionals that you respect, such as your veterinarian or groomer. Or if you see someone with a puppy or kitten of the look you want, ask them about their breeder. Although not everyone is an expert, many people have done their homework and know the best breeders in the area.

4. Attend a local dog or cat show or competition. All of the canine entrants in a dog competition will be certified by the American Kennel Club and they likely came from excellent breeders. Some breeders will have booths at the event or will be showing dogs/cats, so you can meet them and some of their dogs/cats and ask questions. Magazines like "Dog Fancy" and "Cat Fancy" will also advertise shows in your area.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you find a breeder you like, ask lots of questions. The breeder should be able to provide you with health certificates and tell you how they have begun socializing your puppy or kitten. A reputable breeder will allow you to meet the parents and siblings of the puppy or kitten and welcome you to its facility to see how your puppy or kitten is being raised.

• Beware of puppy mills or kitten producers. Reputable breeders will not advertise on the Internet. They will not meet you at a gas station or pet store with their pets. If the breeder won't let you come see its facility, do not purchase a pet from that breeder. If the breeder won't allow you to meet the parents of the puppy or kitten you wish to adopt, look elsewhere. The best breeders will have many forms for you to fill out and will offer a lifetime guarantee on the pet, so you can return the pet if it has problems or if you end up not being able to keep it and it needs a new home.

References

• American Kennel Club: How Do I Find a Breeder?
• Harrisburg Kennel Club: How to Find a Reputable Breeder
• Humane Society: How to Find a Good Breeder
• American Cat Fancier Association: How to Find a Breeder in Your Area