Tips and advice when contacting a breeder

Please take a few minutes to read this advice before you start contacting breeders.

The goal of so many ethical, responsible breeders is to bring healthy, well-adjusted animals into the world and to make sure they go to warm and caring homes. Finding the right breeder is a personal journey — each family may prioritise different things — but there are some important things to keep in mind no matter what breed or type of pet you're looking for.

When you take on a new pet, you are making a decision that's going to significantly affect your life for the next 10-15 years. Please make sure the breed you are interested in suits your family and lifestyle, and that you can give it the type of home it needs to be happy. Above all — use common sense and don't be impulsive.

What to expect from an ethical breeder

An ethical, responsible breeder will want to know about you — the type of home you will offer, how much time you have for your new pet, whether you have experience with the breed, and if not, whether you've researched it. Don't just ask "how much for a puppy?" or "when are kittens available" — tell them a bit about yourself. You should feel empowered to ask them questions too. Ask about health testing, temperament, socialisation, and what support they offer after you take your pet home.

Good breeders will often want to stay in touch after you take your pet home. They'll be available to support you with advice on feeding, health, ongoing socialisation, and the long-term needs of your pet. If for any reason you're ever unable to keep your pet, a responsible breeder will want to know — so they can help with rehoming or take the animal back rather than see it end up in a shelter.

Important questions to ask a breeder

1. Can you meet the mother and father, and how old are they?
2. Have the mother and father had any health issues?
3. What health checks and tests were done on the parents and grandparents, are they appropriate for the breed, and can this be verified with documentation?
4. Specifically, what vaccines have been given? Are they microchipped and registered?
5. Have they been treated for parasites (fleas and worms), and what treatments were used?
6. Have they been checked by a vet, and is there evidence of this?
7. How much socialisation has the puppy or kitten had? Have they been raised in a household where they've been exposed to everyday life, children, other pets?

If answered positively and appropriately, the answers to these questions should reassure you that the puppy or kitten you're interested in will grow to be a happy healthy animal.

Please note that information regarding breed specific health checks can at times be difficult to understand and interpret. Common genetic disorders are a serious and growing concern. It's not a bad idea to write down the information you've been given and seek advice from your vet for confirmation. Breed clubs are also great sources of information on health testing.

Your responsibilities when you get a new pet

Bringing a new pet into your life is a major decision, and with it comes important responsibilities. We encourage everyone getting a new pet to:

• Have your pet examined by a vet shortly after bringing them home
• Ensure they are always cared for both physically and emotionally — proper shelter, food, water, exercise, and companionship
• Take care when socialising young puppies to minimise the risk of infectious diseases — avoid public spaces with animals of unknown health status until fully vaccinated
• Ensure your pet has permanent identification (microchip)
• Have your pet receive a veterinary check at least once a year
• Seek immediate veterinary care in the event of sickness or injury
• Keep your breeder informed about any health or behavioural issues that arise, especially anything that may be hereditary or have unknown causes
• Contact your breeder if your circumstances ever change and you are unable to keep your pet — regardless of the reason or circumstances, a responsible breeder will want to help

If you have any concerns

Learn more

For detailed information about our breeder requirements, see how to find a responsible breeder. To check a breeder's government registration yourself, see our state-by-state verification guide.

All dog breeders listed on Perfect Pets are verified Dogs Australia registered breeders. All cat breeders are verified members of ANCATS, or an ACF or CCCA affiliated body. Breeders are verified when joining Perfect Pets, and annually thereafter.

Please note that because Perfect Pets cannot be directly involved in interactions we cannot accept responsibility for any agreement entered into by a breeder and a pet lover. Please follow the advice provided. Perfect Pets has no powers of enforcement and cannot guarantee the reputation of any breeder, or the soundness or suitability of the pet you choose. You must satisfy yourself that any pet you decide on is fit and healthy, and will fit with your family and lifestyle.