Breeder Standards

Breeder Standards & Requirements

At Pawfect Match , we are committed to the health, welfare, and ethical treatment of every puppy offered through our platform. To maintain the highest standards, all breeders must meet or exceed the following requirements. These guidelines include compliance with all applicable federal regulations, including those set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), as well as our own enhanced standards for responsible breeding.

All breeders must comply with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and, where applicable:

• Hold a valid USDA breeder license if required by law (generally applicable to breeders with more than four breeding females who sell puppies sight-unseen).
• Maintain full compliance with USDA inspection standards.
• Permit routine and unannounced inspections by USDA officials.
• Maintain accurate records of:
  • Animal acquisition and disposition
  • Breeding history
  • Veterinary care and treatments
• Ensure all animals are identifiable 

Failure to meet USDA standards will result in immediate suspension or removal from our platform.

Breeders must provide safe, clean, and humane living conditions:

• Housing must be structurally sound, well-ventilated, and protect dogs from extreme weather.
• Enclosures must provide sufficient space for each dog to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around freely.
• Regular cleaning and sanitation schedules must be followed.
• Waste must be properly removed and disposed of to prevent disease.
• Dogs must have daily access to exercise areas appropriate for their breed, size, and age.

• Dogs must have continuous access to clean, fresh drinking water.
• Food must be:
  • Nutritious
  • Appropriate for age, breed, and health condition
  • Stored properly to prevent contamination
• Feeding schedules must be consistent and documented.

• Breeders must establish and maintain a relationship with a licensed veterinarian.
• All dogs and puppies must receive:
  • Routine health checks
  • Age-appropriate vaccinations
  • Parasite prevention and treatment
• Sick or injured animals must receive prompt veterinary care.
• Puppies must be examined by a veterinarian prior to placement.

Documentation of veterinary care must be available upon request.

We require ethical, responsible breeding practices:

• No breeding of dogs with known hereditary health conditions that could negatively impact offspring.
• Breeding females must not be overbred:
  • Adequate recovery time between litters is required.
• Dogs must be of appropriate age and health before breeding.
• Inbreeding practices must be avoided or minimized according to accepted standards.
• Genetic testing is strongly encouraged and may be required for certain breeds.

• Puppies must be regularly handled and socialized from an early age.
• Exposure to normal household stimuli is encouraged to promote healthy development.
• Puppies must not be isolated for extended periods.

• Puppies must not be separated from their mother before 8 weeks of age (or older if required by state law or breed standard).

Breeders must provide accurate and complete information, including:

• Puppy health records
• Vaccination history
• Any known medical or genetic conditions
• Parent information (health, temperament, lineage where available)

Misrepresentation of any kind will result in removal from the platform.

If transportation is provided:

• Must comply with USDA and applicable state regulations.
• Puppies must be transported in safe, clean, temperature-controlled environments.
• Adequate food, water, and rest must be provided during transit.
• Travel duration must be minimized whenever possible.

The following practices are strictly prohibited:

• Puppy mills or high-volume, inhumane breeding operations
• Neglect, abuse, or improper care of animals
• Selling underage or unhealthy puppies
• Falsifying records or documentation

• Breeders agree to periodic review and verification by our team.
• We reserve the right to request documentation, conduct interviews, or perform virtual/in-person inspections.
• Non-compliance may result in suspension or permanent removal.

By partnering with us, breeders affirm their commitment to:

• Ethical breeding
• Lifelong animal welfare
• Continuous improvement of breeding practices

Agreement

By listing puppies with Pawfect Match, breeders acknowledge and agree to abide by all standards outlined above, as well as all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

If you have questions about these requirements or need assistance becoming compliant, please contact us.