Screening a “reputable breeder”
A great tip in screening potential dog breeders and cat breeders, is to select one that also screens you. Breeders that truly care about their occupation want the best homes possible for their puppies or kittens. They should have as many questions about you as you have about them. They should be willing to offer information particular to their pets, provide Veterinarian references, and test your knowledge of the breed. Though some may be offended by the questions of a breeder, it is a sign that this breeder cares. If all breeders conducted thorough screening of potential customers, there would be far less homeless pets. No reputable breeder will sell their pets through pet stores, agents, or organizations. They want to know exactly where there pets are going. 
Breeders should have enough experience to offer ongoing assistance with information and training of your new pet, and request that they be contacted first, should you ever have to give up your pet. They should be willing to allow a visit and inspection. You should be able to meet and evaluate the parents of your potential new pet. Puppies and kittens should be socialized by the breeder prior to purchase and their parents should demonstrate a calm sociable temperament, regardless of the breed. Puppies and kittens should have their first series of inoculations prior to leaving their cattery or kennel. The breeder should also recommend that you schedule a Veterinarian visit as soon as possible with your new pet and that the sale and transfer of ownership is dependent on the results of that medical examination.
Important Questions to Ask A Pet Breeder
Experience is the first question you should have for a potential breeder. You should have conducted enough research about the breed to ask intelligent questions the breeder should know. The breeder should be willing to offer useful information and be willing to provide references. Anyone can provide customer references, but reputable breeders should provide professional references. The best reference is from a practicing Veterinarian. They are very knowledgeable professionals bound by ethics. Just as a car fax is important in purchasing a preowned vehicle, a Veterinarian reference is important in purchasing a pet. Your breeder should guarantee your pet to be healthy, both physically and psychologically, and also genetically. The genetic problems are those that usually show up later in life. The breeder should have proof of genetic screening of your pets parents and the pedigree to prove no inbreeding. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, is trusted with testing, certifications, and breed history data relative to genetic problems associated with particular breeds of animals.
Breeder Rating System
Our Breeder Rating System is not only the toughest on the web, but also the most up-to-date.
To eliminate hundreds of innocent pets being euthanized each day, some Ethical Breeders have stepped up and now offer a Lifetime Return for any reason with the pet sold. We believe if all Breeders took responsibility for the pet after the sale, there would be no need for Kill Shelters. Hopefully this will challenge all breeders to do the same.
Our Association of Animal Care Professionals have developed a method of Recognition for those breeders demonstrating Ethics in the business of animal reproduction. We believe that for this industry to continue without the shame of euthanizing innocent pets, the Breeder should step up and use their best standards in selecting genetically sound and healthy breeders. They should be very selective in placement of kittens and puppies, and available to their customers throughout the life of the pet adopted.
Those breeders that meet the standards and maintain this level of care with a minimum of a one year Health Guarantee will be recognized as Listed on our website and will also receive an insignia to place on their website
Those breeders that meet the standards and maintain this level of care with a Lifetime Return for Any Reason Guarantee will be recognized as Recommended on our website and will also receive an insignia to .place on their website
Those animal lovers that want to contribute to this life and death cause with a $25.00 or more donation will also receive an insignia to place on their website or correspondence emails, as Donor.