Our Verification Process

Since 2013, Perfect Pets has helped 13+ million Australians find responsible, verified breeders. We use a rigorous two-layer process: mandatory registration with Australia's peak bodies (Dogs Australia for dogs, ACF/CCCA/ANCATS for cats), plus manual vetting by our team before any account goes live. No automated approvals. No exceptions.

 

Our Approach to Verification

At Perfect Pets, verification isn't just about ticking boxes. It's about keeping the platform safe for pet lovers, and doing the right thing for animals, every single time.  So real people—not algorithms—review all applications, check credentials, assess breeding practices, and investigate any red flags.

 

Our Two-Layer Verification Process

Layer 1: Official Registration Requirements (The Baseline)

All breeders must hold current, verified registration with established official bodies. This is our non-negotiable starting point.

 

Dogs Australia (ANKC) Registration for Dog Breeders

  • Dogs Australia (ANKC) registration is mandatory. All dog breeders on Perfect Pets must be registered with a State or Territory office of Dogs Australia (formerly the Australian National Kennel Council).
  • Direct verification: We work directly with Dogs Australia member offices Australia-wide to verify registration status before accounts are approved.
  • International standard: Dogs Australia is the original and internationally respected registering body for pedigree dogs, connected to kennel clubs worldwide (UK Kennel Club, American Kennel Club).
  • Strict compliance: All breeders must comply with Dogs Australia's Code of Ethics and breeding requirements.

Learn more about why we work exclusively with Dogs Australia registered breeders.

 

Australian Cat Council Requirements for Cat Breeders

  • Registration with established cat councils is required: Cat breeders must hold current membership with one of Australia's national cat councils State or Territory member bodies: the Australian Cat Federation (ACF), the Co-Ordinating Cat Council of Australia (CCCA), or ANCATS (Australian National Cats Inc.).
  • Proven track record: These organisations represent Australia's longest-standing cat councils with decades of breed expertise and welfare standards.
  • Transparency and accountability: We verify membership status and work closely with these councils to maintain transparency and accountability across our platform.
  • Strict compliance: All cat breeders must comply with their council's Code of Ethics and breeding requirements.

 

State & Territory Compliance

  • Where applicable, we verify Supply Numbers, Source Numbers, Breeder Identification Numbers (BIN), and other legally required registrations.
  • All state and territory compliance requirements are manually verified to ensure accuracy.

 

Layer 2: Manual Review by Our Team (Our Higher Standard)

Registration alone doesn't guarantee ethical practices. This is where Perfect Pets goes further.

All new breeder accounts undergo comprehensive review by our team, which includes:

  • Social media and website verification to confirm authenticity and assess breeding practices
  • Breed club coordination for at-risk or highly exploited breeds—some breeds require club executive approval before we list them
  • Direct contact when needed to ask questions and clarify practices
  • Assessment for red flags—if anything suggests profit-driven breeding, large-scale operations, or unethical practices, the account is rejected

 

In addition to registration and manual review, breeders provide answers to questions about their breeding practices through our Breeder Standards and Practices checklist, which includes health testing, documentation transparency, early socialisation, and the support they offer in the long term. Learn more about what you can expect from Perfect Pets breeders.

 

"After 12 years, I can spot the obvious red flags quickly—but I've also learned to recognise the subtle ones. That's why I personally review every breeder application. We don't use automated systems. It's hands-on work, but we believe it's the best way to maintain the standards Perfect Pets is known for and ensure the integrity of our platform."

— Maria Arnold, Founder, Perfect Pets

 

Ongoing Monitoring

Every Listing is Approved Before It Goes Live

Breeders may have a permanent profile on Perfect Pets, but every single listing for pets available for adoption or from breeders is individually reviewed before publication. This means:

  • We assess each advertisement for compliance with our requirements
  • We check that appropriate source/supply numbers and registration details are included
  • Required vaccinations, worming, microchipping, and desexing status are confirmed

 

We Investigate Complaints and Work with Authorities

If we receive a concern about any breeder, rescue, or service listed on Perfect Pets, we investigate thoroughly. Where necessary, we work with RSPCA, local councils, Dogs Australia, cat associations, and other authorities to ensure proper action is taken.

We never ignore a complaint. See our Complaints Policy for full details on how we handle concerns, or to let us know if you have any issues.

 

Protecting Pet Lovers Beyond Our Platform

Because of our reputation for taking animal welfare seriously, we regularly hear from people who've had problems with breeders not listed on Perfect Pets. While our ability to help with breeders from other platforms or websites can be limited, we created our Pet Scam Alerts page to support the broader pet-loving community.

Our pet scam database is updated every 48 hours and helps protect thousands of Australians from fraudulent pet websites and pet courier scams. If you've encountered a suspicious website, you can report it to our team for investigation.

 

Perfect Pets by the Numbers

Our Track Record:

  • 12+ years of ethical enforcement and breeder verification (established 2013)
  • 13+ million Australians have used Perfect Pets to find responsible breeders and pet service providers
  • Scam database updated every 48 hours to protect pet lovers from fraudulent websites
  • Thousands of verified breeders committed to best practice standards
  • Zero tolerance for puppy farms, unethical breeding, or animal exploitation

 

Why This Matters

Puppy farms, backyard breeders, and scammers exploit the love people have for animals. They prioritise profit over welfare, resulting in puppies and kittens with health and behavioural issues, heartbroken families, and breeding females forced to endure inhumane conditions.

Perfect Pets exists to end this. We've created a safer space for pet lovers to find genuinely responsible breeders who care about the long-term health and welfare of their animals.

When you connect with a breeder through Perfect Pets, you can be confident that they've been thoroughly checked, verified, and held accountable to the highest ethical criteria.

 

Questions About Our Verification Process?

If you'd like to know more about how we verify breeders, or if you have concerns about a breeder listed on Perfect Pets, please get in touch.

Looking for a responsible breeder? Search our directory to find verified breeders near you.