Purchasing a puppy from a breeder can be exciting, but it’s important to know how the process works. To have a positive experience, you’ll need to know how long it takes and how to find a good breeder so that you’re not scammed.
Dog Breeder Not Responding
If the dog breeder you’ve been in contact with does not respond, there are several reasons for why that might be. The breeder could simply be too busy and you may need to call them again, but they could also be an unethical breeder or a scammer.
How Long Should & Does It Take For A Breeder To Respond?
The amount of time it will take for you to hear back from a breeder depends on which part of the process you’re in. If you’re still on their waiting list, you may have to wait 6 months or even a year before the breeder is ready for you.
Once the puppy is born, it will take an additional 9 weeks before it is ready to go to your home. At this point, you should get a response within 2 weeks.
Many times a breeder will not respond simply because they’re too busy. If your breeder has not responded within a few weeks, it may be a good idea to give them another call. It could be that they just forgot to respond.
Is It Abnormal For Breeders To Not Respond For Long Amounts Of Time?
It is not necessarily abnormal for your breeder to not respond for a long time unless you are waiting for the puppies to be born or grown.
If you have already paid a deposit, your breeder should be sending you normal updates about your puppy. You should expect to receive them roughly every few weeks until the puppy is old enough to go to your home.
If you do not receive updates and continue to contact the breeder with no response, there is a reason to be concerned.
If you are on a waiting list, however, and have not paid a deposit, there’s little to worry about if you do not hear from them for several months. If they have not bred their dog yet, they may have nothing to update you on.
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Breeder Not Responding After I Paid The Deposit [What Should I Do]?
Were you rushed to complete the deposit? If so, it could be a scam. Contact the breeder again to express your concerns and let them know that you are uncomfortable with the transaction and that you are going to cancel it.
If they do not respond, you can contact the breed association they are a part of and contact your bank payment platform to cancel the transaction. If the breeder is not registered with any association, they may be a fraudulent or backyard breeder.
Why Is The Dog Breeder Not Responding?
There could be a few reasons a breeder does not respond.
- Maybe they do not have a puppy ready for you and they are distracted by other things going on in life.
- Maybe they are busy and you just need to reach out to them a few more times.
- It could be a scam in which case, you should look for any red flags that might indicate a fraudulent operation.
What Should I Do When The Breeder Does Not Respond?
When reaching out to a breeder, it’s always good to have a plan. Stay calm and take each step one at a time. Make sure you have your breeder’s contact information – including a phone – and the address where they breed the puppies.
Make sure you are paying with a credit card, Paypal, or bank card as it will be easier to cancel transactions using these methods if something goes wrong.
When your breeder doesn’t respond, take the following steps:
- Try calling the breeder every day at different times a day. They may just be busy.
- If you don’t receive a response within a few days, try stopping at the breeder’s location. This should give you a good opportunity to meet face to face and see how the puppies are doing. It will also ease your concerns.
- If you are unable to meet the breeder face to face, or if you cannot find them at their breeding location (usually their home), contact the breed association they are registered under to see if they can help.
- When the breed association is unable to help, then it may be time to take more action. You can call your bank or whoever processed your payment and ask them to return the deposit you made.
- If the bank cannot retract your funds, then it may be time to seek legal advice. You may want to search for a lawyer who can help you walk through the legal steps to take.
I Haven’t Heard From My Breeder Since The Puppy Has Been Born [Should I Call My Breeder, Or Continue To Wait]?
It will take at least 8 weeks after the puppies’ birth before you can take it home. Once you’ve been notified of the birth, you should receive normal updates on how the puppy is doing. If you have not heard anything in over a week, call the breeder. They may be busy.
If the phone call is unsuccessful, try going to the breeder’s site to check in. You should have received their address in an earlier conversation with them. If you cannot go to their location, you may need to contact the breed association.
How Often Should I Contact The Dog Breeder [When Waiting For A Puppy]?
How often you should contact the breeder will depend on whether the puppies have been born yet. If you’re on a waiting list, it could take a while before your breeder has any updates for you. Give them a few months and then reach out again.
If you’ve paid the deposit and you’re waiting for the puppies, expect consistent updates. The breeder should have communicated to you when the dog was bred and how far along she is in her pregnancy. If you haven’t heard anything in 9 weeks, you may want to contact the breeder again.
Once the puppies are born, you should expect more frequent updates and pictures. Expect no more than 1 – 2 weeks of silence from the breeder.
Puppy Waiting List Etiquette & Guidelines
The most important thing is to be patient, polite, and understanding.
To ensure the puppy will be a good match and will go to a good home, the breeder will interview you before agreeing to sell a puppy. Respond politely to questions and answer truthfully. Be ready to accept that the dog you chose may not be the best one for you.
Ask the breeder any questions you have.
Don’t ask about the price right away. The breeder cares more about the dog’s well-being than they do about the money. Asking about price at the beginning shows that you care more about price than the dog. Ask at the end of the first contact, or in the next follow-up.
Choose one breeder’s waiting list to stick to. If you join multiple waiting lists, then you’re taking a spot away from others who want a puppy. To breeders, this shows that you’re more interested in picking up the first puppy that’s available rather than waiting for that special family member.
Be ready to not choose your puppy. A breeder may want to pick a puppy to keep for themselves first. When giving you a puppy, they will get to know the personality of each pup and try to match you with the one they think will fit you best.
Dog Breeder Not Returning Emails & Hasn’t Sent Photos [Ghosting Me]?
If you have not received any communication from your breeder, either the breeder is a scammer, or they’re just busy.
When you don’t receive an email response, call the breeder or go to their location to check in. If you don’t have any of this information, reach out to the association the breeder is registered with.
If you cannot contact the breeder through any of these avenues, there’s a good chance you’ve been scammed. You can report this incident to the breed’s association and they can guide you through the next steps to take.
How Much Are Puppy Deposits?
Puppy deposits are generally $200 – $500 but can vary depending on the breed and the pedigree.
Is A Deposit On A Puppy Legally Binding [Do I Have To Buy The Puppy If I Pay A Deposit]?
It’s important to read the contract carefully to fully understand what you’re signing up for. Most contracts, however, do not require you to buy the puppy if you pay the deposit.
If you pay the deposit and decide you don’t want the puppy, you should not expect to get your refund back. Only when the breeder does not give you the puppy that was promised in the contract or gives you a sick puppy, will you be able to return it.
Are Dog Breeders Legally Required To Give Refunds/Deposits?
This will depend on what was written in the contract. Generally, a dog breeder is not required to refund a deposit unless they fail to give you the puppy the contract said you would get or give you a sick puppy.
In some cases, if the puppy you receive has a defect, the breeder may be required to give you a refund.
The laws on sales of defective dogs may vary with each state, so it’s best to check your state’s laws. Typically, you will have 1 – 2 weeks to have your puppy examined.
If the dog is considered ill or genetically deformed, you may be able to return the dog for a full refund, choose another puppy from the same litter or breeder, or keep the dog and receive compensation for veterinary bills.
Can A Dog Breeder Keep My Deposit [Legally]?
Unless the contract specifies otherwise, a dog breeder is legally allowed to keep your deposit unless they fail to give you the puppy you signed the contract for, or if you receive a puppy that’s sick or has a defect.
It’s always a good idea to read over your contract and ask questions about it before making the deposit. It’s also a good idea to be aware of state laws that may regulate when a buyer is allowed to receive a refund on a deposit.
What Are The Reasons That Will Enable You Get A Deposit Back On A Dog From A Breeder?
Generally, you will only be allowed to get a deposit back if you’ve been given a puppy that was not agreed upon in the contract. The following circumstances can require a breeder to return your deposit to you:
- You did not receive the puppy you signed for
- Something happened to the puppy before the purchase and the breeder gave you a puppy from a different litter without checking in with you
- The puppy you receive has a disorder or defect
- The puppy you are given is sick
- The puppy does not meet all the requirements of the breed when the contract states it should
How Do I Get My Money Back From A Dog Breeder [Step By Step]?
If you find yourself in a position where you believe you should receive a refund, here are some steps to follow:
- Review the contract to see under what circumstances a deposit can be refunded, or if there are any parts of the contract that can be disputed.
- Contact the breeder to explain your situation and discuss the refund. Tell the breeder why you want a refund
- If the breeder refuses to give the refund, you will want to seek advice from an attorney.
It’s always a good idea to pay with a method that is easily traceable and will allow you to cancel or retract your payment.
Can I Sue A Breeder?
If the breeder is in a clear violation of the contract and state and federal laws, you may sue them. Before taking action, you should discuss the issue with the breeder, since most reputable breeders are reasonable people.
If your discussion with the breeder doesn’t get you anywhere, you may want to reach out to an attorney.
Breeder Decided To Not Give Me My Puppy [Can I Take Legal Action]?
Whether you can take legal action or not depends on the contract you signed. What is the reason the breeder gave you for not giving you the puppy? If you failed to uphold any of your parts of the contract, the breeder has a right to keep the puppy.
If they didn’t give you the puppy because it was sick or it died, it is most likely their responsibility to give you a refund. You’ll want to look over your contract and your state laws carefully to understand when you can and can’t sue for a refund.
When Should A Dog Be Returned To A Breeder?
A dog can be returned to a breeder under the following circumstances:
- You just got him and he is unhealthy. If you suspect the dog is unwell, you should have it checked by a veterinarian before contacting the breeder about returning the dog
- The dog has defects that you did not know about or does not meet all the breed standards when it was supposed to
- The dog is aggressive
- The dog ends up not being a good fit for you and your family
- Some breeders may require you to return the dog to them if you find yourself in a place where you can no longer afford to give the dog proper care
Make sure you read the contract to see what it says about returning the dog and have a discussion with your breeder about what the acceptable reasons would be for taking the dog back.
What Is The Puppy Lemon Law?
The puppy lemon law gives buyers certain remedies if they’ve been given a puppy that’s ill or shows signs of genetic or growth defects. The lemon law varies for each state.
If you purchased a puppy and it is sick, you will usually have about 14 days to have the illness confirmed by a veterinarian and return the puppy. If your puppy develops a defect, you have a certain amount of time (about 6 months) to return the puppy.
If your puppy is determined to be sick or have a disorder, you may have the option to return the puppy for a full refund, exchange your puppy for another one, or keep the puppy and receive reimbursement for the veterinary expenses.
What States Have Pet Lemon Laws?
The following states have a puppy lemon law:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Vermont
- Virginia
Should You Get A Receipt When Buying A Puppy [Are Breeders Legally Required To Give]?
Typically, the breeder will not give a receipt. The price of the puppy and the conditions of the sale will normally be included in the contract you’ll sign.
If you are concerned about confirmation of payment, you may be able to contact your bank for documentation or discuss it with the breeder.
Is Paypal Safe For Buying A Puppy?
Paypal is a safe method to use when buying a puppy because it protects your data, maybe even more than a credit card does. Paypal also has buyer and seller protection programs in place, and they make disputes and refunds easier to manage than a bank might.
How Can You Tell A Bad Dog Breeder?
Is the breeder taking time to ask you questions and set you up with the right puppy? Do they seem to care more about their dogs’ wellness or are they more focused on the money? A bad breeder will care more about the money and making a quick sale.
When you ask them questions, do they seem annoyed or try to dodge the questions?
When you contact the breeder, ask to see their dogs and where the puppies are being kept. Do their dogs look healthy and happy? Does their location look clean and comfortable?
If anything looks fishy or something feels off or rushed, you may be talking to a bad breeder or a scammer.
Signs That You Can Trust A Dog Breeder?
Does the breeder want to interview you? A good breeder will care more about the well-being of their dogs than money. Before agreeing to sell one, they will ask you a lot of questions to make sure the puppy will be taken care of and well suited to your home.
Ask the breeder questions. Are they patient with you? A good breeder will be happy to answer any questions you have. Ask them if you can come to visit in person, or at least do a video call. They will be happy to arrange it for you.
A trustworthy dog breeder will also be registered with their breed’s association, so check the association’s website to see if they’re there.
Look for testimonials. A good breeder will have good testimonials. Look to see if they are involved in their community in any way. You’ll know they’re a trusted breeder if they actively give back to their community.
How Can You Tell If Someone Is A Backyard Breeder?
Health is a priority for good breeders. Do they have paperwork? Ethical and professional breeders will have pedigrees and health records for all their dogs.
Where are they keeping the dogs? Will they allow you to come onsite to visit or to pick up the puppy? If not, they probably have something to hide.
Do they ask you a lot of questions before giving you a puppy? And ethical breeder cares more about the puppy’s welfare than the money, so they will always put the puppy first.
Do they have any testimonials? Testimonials are another great way to tell if the breeder has a good reputation.
How Do I Complain About/Report A Dog Breeder?
If you witness abuse, you should report the breeder to local law enforcement, the humane society, or, as a last resort, to your local shelter.
If the breeder is treating their dogs with a low standard of well-being, they should be reported to the American Kennel Club, the US Department of Agriculture, or the Humane Society.
How Do I Report A Bad Akc Breeder?
To report to the AKC, you will have to mail or fax them a letter. Include all the details and names, addresses, and phone numbers for yourself and everyone else involved in the situation. You will also need to attach any supporting documentation or pictures you have.
You will need to sign the letter and mail or fax it to the following:
American Kennel Club
Customer Registration Support Dept.
PO Box 900066
Raleigh, NC 27675-9066
Fax – 919-816-4250
Dog Breeder Not Responding
If the dog breeder you’ve been in contact with does not respond, there are several reasons for why that might be. The breeder could simply be too busy and you may need to call them again, but they could also be an unethical breeder or a scammer.
So now you’re all set to find your new puppy! Remember that it’s important to ask the breeder questions, be patient with them and understand the laws that apply to purchasing puppies. Make sure you have a plan so that you’ll know how to make a good and ethical decision.
Purchasing a puppy from a breeder can be exciting, but it’s important to know how the process works. To have a positive experience, you’ll need to know how long it takes and how to find a good breeder so that you’re not scammed.
How Long Should & Does It Take For A Breeder To Respond?
The amount of time it will take for you to hear back from a breeder depends on which part of the process you’re in. If you’re still on their waiting list, you may have to wait 6 months or even a year before the breeder is ready for you.
Once the puppy is born, it will take an additional 9 weeks before it is ready to go to your home. At this point, you should get a response within 2 weeks.
Many times a breeder will not respond simply because they’re too busy. If your breeder has not responded within a few weeks, it may be a good idea to give them another call. It could be that they just forgot to respond.
Is It Abnormal For Breeders To Not Respond For Long Amounts Of Time?
It is not necessarily abnormal for your breeder to not respond for a long time unless you are waiting for the puppies to be born or grown.
If you have already paid a deposit, your breeder should be sending you normal updates about your puppy. You should expect to receive them roughly every few weeks until the puppy is old enough to go to your home.
If you do not receive updates and continue to contact the breeder with no response, there is a reason to be concerned.
If you are on a waiting list, however, and have not paid a deposit, there’s little to worry about if you do not hear from them for several months. If they have not bred their dog yet, they may have nothing to update you on.
Breeder Not Responding After I Paid The Deposit [What Should I Do]?
Were you rushed to complete the deposit? If so, it could be a scam. Contact the breeder again to express your concerns and let them know that you are uncomfortable with the transaction and that you are going to cancel it.
If they do not respond, you can contact the breed association they are a part of and contact your bank payment platform to cancel the transaction. If the breeder is not registered with any association, they may be a fraudulent or backyard breeder.
Why Is The Dog Breeder Not Responding?
There could be a few reasons a breeder does not respond.
- Maybe they do not have a puppy ready for you and they are distracted by other things going on in life.
- Maybe they are busy and you just need to reach out to them a few more times.
- It could be a scam in which case, you should look for any red flags that might indicate a fraudulent operation.
What Should I Do When The Breeder Does Not Respond?
When reaching out to a breeder, it’s always good to have a plan. Stay calm and take each step one at a time. Make sure you have your breeder’s contact information – including a phone – and the address where they breed the puppies.
Make sure you are paying with a credit card, Paypal, or bank card as it will be easier to cancel transactions using these methods if something goes wrong.
When your breeder doesn’t respond, take the following steps:
- Try calling the breeder every day at different times a day. They may just be busy.
- If you don’t receive a response within a few days, try stopping at the breeder’s location. This should give you a good opportunity to meet face to face and see how the puppies are doing. It will also ease your concerns.
- If you are unable to meet the breeder face to face, or if you cannot find them at their breeding location (usually their home), contact the breed association they are registered under to see if they can help.
- When the breed association is unable to help, then it may be time to take more action. You can call your bank or whoever processed your payment and ask them to return the deposit you made.
- If the bank cannot retract your funds, then it may be time to seek legal advice. You may want to search for a lawyer who can help you walk through the legal steps to take.
I Haven’t Heard From My Breeder Since The Puppy Has Been Born [Should I Call My Breeder, Or Continue To Wait]?
It will take at least 8 weeks after the puppies’ birth before you can take it home. Once you’ve been notified of the birth, you should receive normal updates on how the puppy is doing. If you have not heard anything in over a week, call the breeder. They may be busy.
If the phone call is unsuccessful, try going to the breeder’s site to check in. You should have received their address in an earlier conversation with them. If you cannot go to their location, you may need to contact the breed association.
How Often Should I Contact The Dog Breeder [When Waiting For A Puppy]?
How often you should contact the breeder will depend on whether the puppies have been born yet. If you’re on a waiting list, it could take a while before your breeder has any updates for you. Give them a few months and then reach out again.
If you’ve paid the deposit and you’re waiting for the puppies, expect consistent updates. The breeder should have communicated to you when the dog was bred and how far along she is in her pregnancy. If you haven’t heard anything in 9 weeks, you may want to contact the breeder again.
Once the puppies are born, you should expect more frequent updates and pictures. Expect no more than 1 – 2 weeks of silence from the breeder.
Puppy Waiting List Etiquette & Guidelines
The most important thing is to be patient, polite, and understanding.
To ensure the puppy will be a good match and will go to a good home, the breeder will interview you before agreeing to sell a puppy. Respond politely to questions and answer truthfully. Be ready to accept that the dog you chose may not be the best one for you.
Ask the breeder any questions you have.
Don’t ask about the price right away. The breeder cares more about the dog’s well-being than they do about the money. Asking about price at the beginning shows that you care more about price than the dog. Ask at the end of the first contact, or in the next follow-up.
Choose one breeder’s waiting list to stick to. If you join multiple waiting lists, then you’re taking a spot away from others who want a puppy. To breeders, this shows that you’re more interested in picking up the first puppy that’s available rather than waiting for that special family member.
Be ready to not choose your puppy. A breeder may want to pick a puppy to keep for themselves first. When giving you a puppy, they will get to know the personality of each pup and try to match you with the one they think will fit you best.
Dog Breeder Not Returning Emails & Hasn’t Sent Photos [Ghosting Me]?
If you have not received any communication from your breeder, either the breeder is a scammer, or they’re just busy.
When you don’t receive an email response, call the breeder or go to their location to check in. If you don’t have any of this information, reach out to the association the breeder is registered with.
If you cannot contact the breeder through any of these avenues, there’s a good chance you’ve been scammed. You can report this incident to the breed’s association and they can guide you through the next steps to take.
How Much Are Puppy Deposits?
Puppy deposits are generally $200 – $500 but can vary depending on the breed and the pedigree.
Is A Deposit On A Puppy Legally Binding [Do I Have To Buy The Puppy If I Pay A Deposit]?
It’s important to read the contract carefully to fully understand what you’re signing up for. Most contracts, however, do not require you to buy the puppy if you pay the deposit.
If you pay the deposit and decide you don’t want the puppy, you should not expect to get your refund back. Only when the breeder does not give you the puppy that was promised in the contract or gives you a sick puppy, will you be able to return it.
Are Dog Breeders Legally Required To Give Refunds/Deposits?
This will depend on what was written in the contract. Generally, a dog breeder is not required to refund a deposit unless they fail to give you the puppy the contract said you would get or give you a sick puppy.
In some cases, if the puppy you receive has a defect, the breeder may be required to give you a refund.
The laws on sales of defective dogs may vary with each state, so it’s best to check your state’s laws. Typically, you will have 1 – 2 weeks to have your puppy examined.
If the dog is considered ill or genetically deformed, you may be able to return the dog for a full refund, choose another puppy from the same litter or breeder, or keep the dog and receive compensation for veterinary bills.
Can A Dog Breeder Keep My Deposit [Legally]?
Unless the contract specifies otherwise, a dog breeder is legally allowed to keep your deposit unless they fail to give you the puppy you signed the contract for, or if you receive a puppy that’s sick or has a defect.
It’s always a good idea to read over your contract and ask questions about it before making the deposit. It’s also a good idea to be aware of state laws that may regulate when a buyer is allowed to receive a refund on a deposit.
What Are The Reasons That Will Enable You Get A Deposit Back On A Dog From A Breeder?
Generally, you will only be allowed to get a deposit back if you’ve been given a puppy that was not agreed upon in the contract. The following circumstances can require a breeder to return your deposit to you:
- You did not receive the puppy you signed for
- Something happened to the puppy before the purchase and the breeder gave you a puppy from a different litter without checking in with you
- The puppy you receive has a disorder or defect
- The puppy you are given is sick
- The puppy does not meet all the requirements of the breed when the contract states it should
How Do I Get My Money Back From A Dog Breeder [Step By Step]?
If you find yourself in a position where you believe you should receive a refund, here are some steps to follow:
- Review the contract to see under what circumstances a deposit can be refunded, or if there are any parts of the contract that can be disputed.
- Contact the breeder to explain your situation and discuss the refund. Tell the breeder why you want a refund
- If the breeder refuses to give the refund, you will want to seek advice from an attorney.
It’s always a good idea to pay with a method that is easily traceable and will allow you to cancel or retract your payment.
Can I Sue A Breeder?
If the breeder is in a clear violation of the contract and state and federal laws, you may sue them. Before taking action, you should discuss the issue with the breeder, since most reputable breeders are reasonable people.
If your discussion with the breeder doesn’t get you anywhere, you may want to reach out to an attorney.
Breeder Decided To Not Give Me My Puppy [Can I Take Legal Action]?
Whether you can take legal action or not depends on the contract you signed. What is the reason the breeder gave you for not giving you the puppy? If you failed to uphold any of your parts of the contract, the breeder has a right to keep the puppy.
If they didn’t give you the puppy because it was sick or it died, it is most likely their responsibility to give you a refund. You’ll want to look over your contract and your state laws carefully to understand when you can and can’t sue for a refund.
When Should A Dog Be Returned To A Breeder?
A dog can be returned to a breeder under the following circumstances:
- You just got him and he is unhealthy. If you suspect the dog is unwell, you should have it checked by a veterinarian before contacting the breeder about returning the dog
- The dog has defects that you did not know about or does not meet all the breed standards when it was supposed to
- The dog is aggressive
- The dog ends up not being a good fit for you and your family
- Some breeders may require you to return the dog to them if you find yourself in a place where you can no longer afford to give the dog proper care
Make sure you read the contract to see what it says about returning the dog and have a discussion with your breeder about what the acceptable reasons would be for taking the dog back.
What Is The Puppy Lemon Law?
The puppy lemon law gives buyers certain remedies if they’ve been given a puppy that’s ill or shows signs of genetic or growth defects. The lemon law varies for each state.
If you purchased a puppy and it is sick, you will usually have about 14 days to have the illness confirmed by a veterinarian and return the puppy. If your puppy develops a defect, you have a certain amount of time (about 6 months) to return the puppy.
If your puppy is determined to be sick or have a disorder, you may have the option to return the puppy for a full refund, exchange your puppy for another one, or keep the puppy and receive reimbursement for the veterinary expenses.
What States Have Pet Lemon Laws?
The following states have a puppy lemon law:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Vermont
- Virginia
Should You Get A Receipt When Buying A Puppy [Are Breeders Legally Required To Give]?
Typically, the breeder will not give a receipt. The price of the puppy and the conditions of the sale will normally be included in the contract you’ll sign.
If you are concerned about confirmation of payment, you may be able to contact your bank for documentation or discuss it with the breeder.
Is Paypal Safe For Buying A Puppy?
Paypal is a safe method to use when buying a puppy because it protects your data, maybe even more than a credit card does. Paypal also has buyer and seller protection programs in place, and they make disputes and refunds easier to manage than a bank might.
How Can You Tell A Bad Dog Breeder?
Is the breeder taking time to ask you questions and set you up with the right puppy? Do they seem to care more about their dogs’ wellness or are they more focused on the money? A bad breeder will care more about the money and making a quick sale.
When you ask them questions, do they seem annoyed or try to dodge the questions?
When you contact the breeder, ask to see their dogs and where the puppies are being kept. Do their dogs look healthy and happy? Does their location look clean and comfortable?
If anything looks fishy or something feels off or rushed, you may be talking to a bad breeder or a scammer.
Signs That You Can Trust A Dog Breeder?
Does the breeder want to interview you? A good breeder will care more about the well-being of their dogs than money. Before agreeing to sell one, they will ask you a lot of questions to make sure the puppy will be taken care of and well suited to your home.
Ask the breeder questions. Are they patient with you? A good breeder will be happy to answer any questions you have. Ask them if you can come to visit in person, or at least do a video call. They will be happy to arrange it for you.
A trustworthy dog breeder will also be registered with their breed’s association, so check the association’s website to see if they’re there.
Look for testimonials. A good breeder will have good testimonials. Look to see if they are involved in their community in any way. You’ll know they’re a trusted breeder if they actively give back to their community.
How Can You Tell If Someone Is A Backyard Breeder?
Health is a priority for good breeders. Do they have paperwork? Ethical and professional breeders will have pedigrees and health records for all their dogs.
Where are they keeping the dogs? Will they allow you to come onsite to visit or to pick up the puppy? If not, they probably have something to hide.
Do they ask you a lot of questions before giving you a puppy? And ethical breeder cares more about the puppy’s welfare than the money, so they will always put the puppy first.
Do they have any testimonials? Testimonials are another great way to tell if the breeder has a good reputation.
How Do I Complain About/Report A Dog Breeder?
If you witness abuse, you should report the breeder to local law enforcement, the humane society, or, as a last resort, to your local shelter.
If the breeder is treating their dogs with a low standard of well-being, they should be reported to the American Kennel Club, the US Department of Agriculture, or the Humane Society.
How Do I Report A Bad Akc Breeder?
To report to the AKC, you will have to mail or fax them a letter. Include all the details and names, addresses, and phone numbers for yourself and everyone else involved in the situation. You will also need to attach any supporting documentation or pictures you have.
You will need to sign the letter and mail or fax it to the following:
American Kennel Club
Customer Registration Support Dept.
PO Box 900066
Raleigh, NC 27675-9066
Fax – 919-816-4250
So now you’re all set to find your new puppy! Remember that it’s important to ask the breeder questions, be patient with them and understand the laws that apply to purchasing puppies. Make sure you have a plan so that you’ll know how to make a good and ethical decision.
References
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Flaim, D. (2021, April 15). Signs of a responsible breeder. American Kennel Club. Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/signs-of-a-responsible-breeder/.
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