Our breeders are required to obtain a license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). APHIS inspectors from the Animal Care division conduct unannounced compliance inspections to ensure that the animals receive good care and treatment.
We require our breeders to go above and beyond these strictly enforced standards. Here are a few things we require our breeders to provide for the pets in their care:
- A consulting veterinarian providing good medical care.
- A consulting vet must create a written program for the breeder to follow that ensures the health of the dogs and is available for the USDA to inspect and review.
- The breeder must maintain written veterinarian records of the medical care they perform.
- The dogs must be provided vaccinations against diseases and parasites such as:
- Parvo
- Distemper
- Hepatitis
- Leptospirosis
- Rabies
- Bordetella
- Internal parasites (intestinal worms, heartworms, blood parasites)
- External parasites (fleas, ticks, flies)
- Prior to arrival in our store, every puppy will have received a minimum of two vaccinations against the major viruses that can affect puppies and dogs.
- Every puppy will be current on de-wormings and preventatives against common parasites (Coccidia and giardia).
- The vet also consults with the breeder operations team to provide good nutrition, exercise, hygiene, and socialization for the puppies and dogs.
- Safe and comfortable housing.
- We require all our breeders to maintain structurally sound and protective housing that keeps the dogs and puppies at their facility dry and clean.
- It must protect animals from injury and have no sharp edges or places for them to get hurt.
- It should keep them from getting out and into trouble while providing them enough space to walk, sit, and lie comfortably.
- It also must have convenient and easy access to clean food and water.
- Frequent socialization and exercise.
- During our breeder visits, we make sure our breeders provide opportunities for the dogs to exercise – with other dogs and with humans.
- This includes access to an open area or run or a group area where puppies can play with each other.
- A state-issued health certification.
Every puppy that is sold to PetCenter must have a State issued health certificate from the state of origin and signed and attested to by a licensed veterinarian.
