KSL Classifieds is proud to help local pets find new homes and local users find furry new members of the family. However, while many of the breeders on our site practice safe and responsible breeding, there are still those in the pet industry who care more about profit than animal well-being. That’s why, among other site changes, we’re working to educate users on responsible breeding practices. Our goal is to ensure that pets found on KSL Classifieds are coming from and going to safe homes.
Unethical breeding practices
Puppy mills
Puppy mills are high volume commercial dog-breeding facilities. Puppies in such facilities are treated as products rather than pets, and often lack proper nutrition, hygiene and space. Mothers in puppy mills are rarely given time to properly recover between litters. Due to lack of proper veterinary care and improper socialization, dogs from puppy mills often have medical and behavioral issues.
Backyard breeders
Backyard breeders, or amateur breeders, may appear well intentioned, but breeding for profit without knowledge or experience is detrimental and unethical. Say a regular person’s dog had a litter and they are now selling the puppies — you would be better off finding a responsible dog breeder or rescuing a puppy from a shelter. That way, the puppies have proper medical treatment and veterinary records.
Adoption
The best way to ensure that your pet is coming from a safe and ethical place is adoption. Across the country, there are countless pets in animal shelters who need homes. Ironically, many of the problems people negatively associate with shelter pets (behavioral issues, unknown health problems) are very common among pets who come from irresponsible breeders. Shelters are knowledgeable and upfront when such issues are present — irresponsible breeders aren’t.
How to identify a responsible breeder
There are many reasons people choose to breed rather than adopt. If you feel that breeding is the right option for you, please ensure that the breeder you’re working with meets the following criteria. Print out our Responsible Breeder Checklist to bring with you on your visits.
They meet in person
Unlike most KSL Classified interactions, you should meet a breeder at their home, rather than a public place. This allows you to see the conditions that your future pet is living in. Good, honest breeders are open and encouraging of these visits.
They keep animals like owners keep pets
When you visit the breeder’s home, you should find pets in clean, comfortable and spacious living areas that are appropriate for the animal or breed. Smaller breeds and animals will probably be in a comfortable room in the house, and sportier breeds will have access to outdoor exercise.
They keep their operation small
Ethical breeders specialize in one or two different breeds and do not always have puppies (or kittens, bunnies, etc.) available. If a breeder regularly has many breeds available that are less than six weeks old, this is a major red flag. A good breeder gives mothers time to rest and recover between litters. If their waitlist is full, they may refer you to another breeder they know and trust.
They won’t shy away from paperwork
Your breeder should be open and ready to provide veterinary papers and medical records for the parents and your future pet, and will never require you to use a specific veterinarian. They’ll provide you with both a contract and a health guarantee, which may include guarantees that you spay or neuter the pet. Good breeders usually assure you that you can return the pet to them at any point in its life if you are unable to keep it.
They want to get to know you
Since the best breeders treat their animals like their own pets, they want to make sure that they’re going to a good home. The breeder will ask about your home and your motivations for owning the pet. If you live in a condo or apartment, they may ask for proof that you’re allowed to own the pet.
What KSL Classifieds is doing to help
We want to continue providing our users with access to pet listings. To ensure that we’re doing this as responsibly as possible, we’ve partnered with local thought leaders and animal organizations. In addition to sponsoring local shelters and pet events, we’re implementing new site practices like dog listing fees to help prevent puppy mills and unscrupulous breeding practices. You can help in our efforts — if you see a listing that shows signs of irresponsible breeding, please flag it so that we can remove it from our site. Together we can make KSL Classifieds a better place for owners and pets.
