How to Spot a Responsible Breeder

Thinking about buying a puppy? It’s a big decision — and finding a responsible breeder is the most important step you can take to protect both your future dog and yourself. Not all breeders operate with the same standards, and unfortunately, some may prioritize profit over animal welfare.

So how can you tell the difference? A reputable breeder is open, transparent, and committed to the health and happiness of every dog they raise. They’ll welcome your questions, share health records, and want to make sure their puppies are going to good homes. On the other hand, breeders who cut corners or bend the rules may avoid tough questions, dodge paperwork, or rush the process.

Use this guide to help you spot the green flags — and steer clear of red ones — so you can bring home a puppy with confidence and peace of mind.

✅ Signs of a Responsible Breeder

📍 How They Operate

  • Specializes in one or two breeds — not a wide variety

  • Has limited litters per year and may have a waitlist

  • Uses a stable phone number and business identity

    • Clearly states phone number online

  • Doesn’t use Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or TikTok

  • Clearly lists their business name and physical address

  • Doesn’t sell through third-party sites or pet stores

🏡 Facility & Living Conditions

  • Shares clear photos or videos of where the dogs live — or invites you to visit

  • Meets buyers at their facility or a clearly identified business location

  • Has a clean, safe, and comfortable space for the dogs

  • Shows you the puppy’s parents (at least the mom)

🐕‍🦺 Care & Compliance

  • Won’t release puppies before they’re 8 weeks old

  • Provides proof of:

    • State and/or USDA license if they ship across state lines (check USDA license here)

    • Veterinary care, vaccines, and deworming

    • Health testing or genetic screening

💬 Buyer Interaction & Follow-Up

  • Asks you questions about your lifestyle, experience, and home

  • Knows the breed well

  • Has a return policy — they care where the dog ends up

  • Has positive reviews or buyer feedback — not just ads

  • Accepts secure, traceable payment methods (not gift cards or cash apps)

🚩 Red Flags to Watch For

📍 How They Operate

  • Offers many different breeds or breed mixes at once

  • Always has puppies available — no waitlist

  • Uses changing phone numbers, usernames, or accounts

    • Disguises number as “two two 7 four nine five two”

  • Posts on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or TikTok

  • Doesn’t list a business name or physical address

  • Sells through third-party sites or pet stores

🏚️ Facility & Living Conditions

  • Won’t share photos or videos of the facility — or refuses visits altogether

  • Insists on meeting in a parking lot or halfway point

  • Dogs are kept in cramped, dirty, or unsafe conditions

  • Won’t let you see the puppy’s mother or adult dogs on-site

🚫 Care & Compliance

  • Offers to sell or ship puppies under 8 weeks old

  • Doesn’t provide:

    • State and/or USDA license if they ship across state lines (check USDA license here)

    • Vet records or vaccination history

    • Health testing results

💬 Buyer Interaction & Follow-Up

  • Doesn’t ask you any questions about your home, lifestyle, or experience

  • Shows little knowledge of the breed or its needs

  • No return policy — once the dog is sold, they take no responsibility

  • Has no reviews, or there are public complaints about sick puppies or scams

  • Requests payment via gift cards, Cash App, Venmo, or other untraceable methods

See a Breeder Who Raises Red Flags?

If you’ve come across a breeder who shows signs of possible violations — like no license, questionable conditions, or selling puppies under 8 weeks — you can help bring transparency to the system.

Add them to the Pawthenticity Breeder Registry.

  • Upload what you know: a name, screenshot, receipt, listing, or even just a phone number

  • You don’t have to be a buyer — anyone can contribute to making dog breeding more accountable

  • Submissions are public, searchable, and completely free

  • You can stay anonymous

The more people who register what they’ve seen, the harder it becomes for harmful practices to stay hidden. Transparency helps protect dogs — and makes it easier to find responsible breeders.