Every happy beginning starts with a trusted, vetted breeder

We take breeder oversight seriously. Before any breeder is approved to list their puppies on PuppySpot, they go through a thorough screening process inclusive of the evaluation of their facility, breeding practices, and veterinary care standards. Once approved, PuppySpot continues to monitor breeder programs on an ongoing basis. Through regular check-ins, re-screenings, veterinary collaboration, and health trend monitoring, we ensure ongoing compliance and swiftly address emerging issues. With ongoing oversight and partnership, we help breeders uphold their unwavering commitment to every dog’s health, safety, and care.

All breeders who work with PuppySpot comply with both state and federal regulations. Every breeder is either fully licensed or meets the criteria for exemption from licensing based on applicable laws. PuppySpot carefully verifies each breeder’s status to ensure they meet all legal and welfare requirements before they are approved to work with us.

The PuppySpot community is built on a shared commitment to integrity, responsibility, and the well-being of every dog. Each breeder agrees to uphold PuppySpot’s Code of Ethics, which reflects the values that guide everything we do: Health and Safety First – Breeders maintain clean, safe, and sanitary environments, ensuring every parent dog and puppy receives proper care, nutrition, and veterinary oversight. Animal Welfare Standards Compliance – Every breeder must comply with all federal, state, and local laws, as well as PuppySpot’s internal standards and guidelines. Responsible Breeding Practices – Breeders plan each litter with purpose, selecting sires and dams based on health, temperament, and conformation to improve the quality of the breed. Transparency and Honesty – Breeders agree to represent their puppies truthfully and provide accurate health certificates, vaccination records, and registration documents. Animal Welfare and Ethics – We work only with breeders who have no history of animal cruelty or negligence, and who share our commitment to humane and ethical care. Together, these principles ensure breeders listing on PuppySpot are driven by compassion, guided by ethics, and dedicated to raising healthy, happy puppies the right way.

Yes. Whenever the PuppySpot team is in a breeder’s area, we make it a priority to visit their home or facility in person. These visits give us the opportunity to see their operation firsthand, ensure our standards are being met, and strengthen our relationship with breeders. We value these in-person connections and look forward to meeting every breeder to continue building trust and promoting the highest standards of care.

A good breeder genuinely cares for the health, safety, and well-being of their dogs; not someone who operates a puppy mill. At PuppySpot, we define a puppy mill as “a substandard source for puppies that places profit above the welfare of its animals. A puppy mill is not only inhumane and cruel, but also typically operates in violation of the law or government regulations.” In contrast, the responsible breeders we work with: Breed to improve the breed, following recognized breed standards. Conduct health testing to help ensure healthy litters. Provide a clean, safe, and nurturing environment for both puppies and their parents. These breeders are committed to raising healthy, happy puppies and maintaining the highest standards of animal care.