Buying from a breeder

If you have your heart set on a specific breed or type of dog or cat, give it time, you never know what will come up for adoption through a refuge or rescue organisation, or if you check out a shelter you might fall in love with a furry friend you weren’t expecting.

It is important to do your homework to protect you and your new pet.

Tips for buying a puppy from a responsible and reputable breeder

1. Do your research before deciding which breed or type of dog will suit your home’s lifestyle and needs. It’s important to understand what it takes to give your dog a good life and whether you can meet those long-term responsibilities.
2. Research your breeder to ensure all the dogs and puppies in their care are happy and healthy. A responsible breeder is committed to animal welfare and will provide clean and safe living conditions. If possible, visit the facility where the dogs are bred or housed. Don’t hesitate to ask about the history of the puppy you’re considering — responsible breeders plan each litter carefully.
3. Ensure your prospective pooch is up-to-date with vaccinations, has received its flea and worm treatments and veterinary checks. Ask for the documentation to confirm this. A responsible breeder will be happy to provide further information and advice on how to care for your new dog.  
4. Confirm the breeder is willing to take back the dog within a specified period of sale or if health problems arise as part of an inherited disorder. 

Under the WA Government’s new laws to Stop Puppy Farming, which includes the introduction of the new PetsWA centralised registration system in 2025, dog breeders will need to be approved by their local government  and their dogs and puppies recorded.

Tips for buying a kitten from a responsible and reputable breeder

1. Do your research before deciding which breed or type of cat will suit your home’s lifestyle and needs. Like dogs, different breeds of cats can have different temperaments and needs — for example, living with or without other cats or around children, a high level of grooming assistance, and common health issues. It’s important to understand what it takes to give your cat a good life and whether you can meet those long-term responsibilities.
2. Research your breeder to ensure they hold a certificate of approval to breed (issued by their local government), and that all the cats and kittens in their care are happy and healthy. A responsible breeder is committed to animal welfare and will provide clean and safe living conditions. If possible, visit the facility where the cats are bred or housed. Don’t hesitate to ask about the history of the kitten you’re considering — responsible breeders plan each litter carefully.
3. Ensure your prospective kitty is up-to-date with vaccinations, has received its flea and worm treatments and veterinary checks, has been microchipped, and is either sterilised or accompanied by a voucher for sterilisation. Ask for the documentation to confirm this. A responsible breeder will be happy to provide further information and advice on how to care for your new cat.  
4. Confirm the breeder is willing to take back the cat within a specified period of sale, or if health problems arise as part of an inherited disorder.