When bringing a new puppy or kitten into your home, it’s crucial to choose a responsible breeder. While finding the perfect pet can be exciting, it’s essential to prioritise the welfare of the animals.
In this guide, we’ll equip you with the knowledge and strategies to make informed decisions when searching for a pet breeder in Australia. Learn how to identify red flags, ask the right questions, and ensure you’re supporting a responsible and compassionate breeder who prioritises the health, happiness, and well-being of their animals.
Why you should choose a responsible breeder
Welcoming a new furry friend into your family is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, ensuring that your new pet has the best start in life requires careful consideration, particularly when it comes to choosing a responsible breeder.
1. Healthier pets from the start
Responsible breeders prioritise the health, genetic integrity of their animals as well as ensuring that the animal has a temperament suited towards its desired purpose. They conduct thorough health screenings on breeding pairs to prevent the transmission of hereditary diseases. This means your new pet is less likely to suffer from genetic disorders and pre-existing symptoms and conditions, giving them a healthier start in life.
2. Proper socialisation
Early kitten or puppy socialisation is critical. Responsible breeders ensure that their animals are exposed to various sounds, sights, and experiences, making them well-adjusted and confident. This early socialisation helps prevent behavioural issues and ensures your pet is comfortable in different environments.
3. Ethical Practices
Reputable breeders adhere to ethical breeding practices, avoiding overbreeding and ensuring excellent living conditions for their animals. This commitment to ethics not only results in healthier pets but also supports humane treatment and responsible breeding practices.
Unfortunately, you may have heard of unregistered breeders who keep animals locked away in cramped places, subjecting animals to neglect and abuse. These animals need better treatment, but most importantly, it’s necessary not to support such operations and keep them from continuing their practices.
4. Ongoing Support
A responsible breeder provides ongoing support and guidance to new pet owners. They offer valuable information on care, training, health, and remain available to answer questions long after you’ve brought your pet home. This support is invaluable, especially for first-time pet owners.
5. Pet Insurance
Every pet deserves insurance but whether they are passed onto you with pet insurance is up to the breeders. For instance, there are breeders who have partnered with Knose Pet Insurance who offer complimentary insurance for puppies and kittens. It helps pet owners feel at ease knowing that these pets are well taken care of. However, you may come across breeders in Australia who only provide limited coverage, while some offer none.
How to choose a responsible breeder
Like all businesses that provide a service or product, there are those that provide the very best while there are others which aren’t so amazing, the same goes with dog and cat breeders. There are however some checks that you can do to make sure that the breeder your new furry friend comes from is one of the best!
1. Check health clearances
Responsible breeders should have both parents health checked. These checks can vary from breed to breed but a little bit of searching online can show you what relevant x-rays and/or genetic tests that your breed of choice should have. If a breeder is unable to produce health tests for the parents of a new puppy or kitten it means that they really don’t know what genetic conditions that they may be passing on to unsuspecting buyers.
2. Check their credibility
There are many overarching organisations that Breeders can partner with. These organisations usually provide a list of guidelines that the breeder agrees to adhere to which will include items like, types of facilities, vet check requirements, number of litters allowed over a certain time period etc. To gain more insight from your breeder ask what organisation they are affiliated with which will allow you to see what list of ethical breeding practices they promote.
3. Read customer reviews
It’s most likely that you find potential breeders in Australia by searching online. If they have a website, check for reviews. You can also read the customer reviews on Google maps.
You’ll find valuable insights from pet-owners who dealt with the breeder. Look at complaints, advice, and recommendations coming from others who have been in your shoes.
4. Ask for referrals
Are you already in a pet community? Australia is filled with pet-loving people who would be happy to give you some advice. By asking happy pet-owners, you can find out if you’re dealing with a responsible breeder or if they have other recommendations for you.
The benefits of buying a pet from a Knose Breeder Partner
When you choose a breeder who is also a Knose Breeder Partner, you also get to insure your pet from day one! This exclusive offer ensures that you create a solid foundation for a healthy and happy life for your pet. This program offers numerous benefits for pet-owners, including:
- Responsible breeders: Knose breeders have already been screened and checked to take out the guess-work for pet-owners. We only partner with breeders who uphold the highest standards of animal care and welfare.
- Pet health and wellness: Your pet’s health is our priority. From insurance coverage to routine care, Knose only offers the best care for your pets.
- Behavioural benefits for pets: Proper socialisation and ongoing support help ensure your pet is well-adjusted and happy.
- Financial security: Puppy and kitten insurance provides financial protection against unexpected veterinary costs, ensuring you can always afford the best care.
- Ethical assurance: Supporting responsible breeding practices promotes the health and well-being of pets and contributes to ethical breeding standards.
Choose from responsible breeders who give the best care
Choosing a responsible breeder and insuring your pet from day one are two of the most important steps you can take to ensure a happy, healthy future for your new furry family member. These decisions provide a strong foundation of health, financial security, and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on building a loving and joyful relationship with your new pet.
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Post by Knose Pet Insurance in collaboration with Sofia Francheska Insua
Sofia is a fulltime mom to her rescue senior dog, Baebae, a 16-year old Japanese Spitz. She learned a lot about pet care through her volunteer work with PETA, assisting in medical missions for pets, stray cats, and stray dogs. While her passion leads her to strongly advocate for volunteering as a way to help animals, she also contributes insights and tips for pet owners seeking to provide proper pet care.
