About Us

Our Purpose
We created CHECK A BREEDER to bring together responsible, ethical, and fully licensed breeders who put animal welfare first. Our community exists to make it easy for families to find reputable breeders who meet rigorous standards, and to give conscientious breeders a home where quality and transparency are celebrated.

Why Details Matter
Every small decision—from housing and hygiene to nutrition, socialisation, and record‑keeping—shapes a young animal’s health and temperament for life. Ethical breeding is not just about pedigrees; it’s about:

Welfare‑first planning: thoughtful pairings, genetic health testing, and clear breeding goals.
Clean, enriched environments: appropriate space, safe play, and species‑appropriate stimulation.
Structured socialisation: calm exposure to everyday sights, sounds, handling, and gentle training.
Complete documentation: vaccination records, microchip, veterinary checks, and lifetime traceability.
Openness and aftercare: honest communication, fit‑for‑purpose contracts, and support long after homing.

The Early Weeks: What Young Pets Need
The first weeks are a critical “sensitive period” for physical, behavioural, and immune development.

Nutrition & Weaning: gradual, stress‑free weaning with high‑quality food appropriate to age and species.
Socialisation: daily, positive handling and exposure, tailored to the animal’s stage and personality.
Sleep & Recovery: ample quiet time—rest is when brains and bodies grow.
Veterinary Care: regular health checks, parasite control, microchipping, and timely vaccinations.

Why We Recommend Homing from 13 Weeks
While some laws and registries allow homing from 8 weeks, CHECK A BREEDER recommends that kittens and many small companion animals leave from 13 weeks (and puppies only when fully ready according to best‑practice welfare guidance). Here’s why 13 weeks is often better for kittens and some other species, and a useful benchmark for welfare‑first breeders:

Vaccination cover: Primary vaccines are commonly given in a course (e.g., around 8–9 and 12 weeks). Allowing at least 7 days after the final vaccine supports the development of protective immunity before the stress of moving home.
Behavioural maturity: An extra few weeks with littermates and the mother consolidates bite inhibition, litter training/toilet habits, confident play, and appropriate boundaries—reducing the risk of later anxiety or unwanted behaviours.
Robustness & resilience: Additional time supports steady weight gain, stronger gut health, and better stress tolerance for travel and transition.

Early separation is risky. Removing young animals too soon can contribute to fearfulness, poor social skills, upset digestion, and increased susceptibility to illness—problems that are preventable with patient, ethical timing.
Why We Report Backyard Breeders
Backyard (unlicensed or substandard) breeding undermines welfare and public trust. It can involve overcrowding, inadequate socialisation, poor hygiene, falsified paperwork, and the avoidance of required inspections. Reporting protects animals and buyers alike by enabling enforcement, safeguarding minimum standards, and discouraging profit‑before‑welfare practices.

See something concerning? Report to your local authority, trading standards, or relevant animal welfare organisations. Clear photos, dates, and details help authorities act.

Registered vs Licensed: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse “registered” with “licensed.” They’re not the same.
Registered Breeder (e.g., with a breed registry such as GCCF or TICA for cats)

Confirms the animal’s pedigree/registration with that registry.
May adhere to registry rules and show standards.
Does not guarantee the breeder holds a local authority licence or meets statutory welfare licensing standards.

Licensed Breeder (local authority licence)

Inspected against welfare standards set by local regulations.
Monitored for housing, cleanliness, socialisation, record‑keeping, and veterinary care.
Must operate transparently and within defined capacity limits.
Clearly displays the current licence on the premises and includes the licence number in any advert that offers an animal for sale.
May or may not also be registry‑registered (GCCF/TICA/KC); licensing focuses on welfare standards, not pedigree paperwork.

A breeder can be registered but not licensed, and a breeder can be licensed but not registered. CHECK A BREEDER exists to highlight and unite those who are both compliant and welfare‑led—the gold standard.

How CHECK A BREEDER Raises the Bar

Verified Profiles: Only breeders who provide proof of current local authority licensing are listed as Licensed on CHECK A BREEDER. Registry memberships (GCCF, TICA, KC, etc.) are shown transparently but never treated as a substitute for licensing.
Welfare Pledges: Members agree to our code of ethics, including homing age guidance (from 13 weeks where appropriate), lifetime traceability, and aftercare.
Education & Support: We share up‑to‑date welfare resources and best practices, helping good breeders get even better.
Reporting Channel: Easy links to report concerns to the correct authorities.

For Prospective Owners

Choose breeders who are licensed and happy to show paperwork.
Look for the local authority licence displayed on the premises and the licence number printed in every advert. Missing licence details are a red flag.
Ask about vaccination dates, socialisation plans, diet, microchip, and insurance.
Expect to answer questions too—ethical breeders care where their animals go.

For Breeders Who Share Our Values
If you’re a responsible breeder committed to exceeding minimum standards, we’d love to welcome you. CHECK A BREEDER recognises the effort it takes to breed ethically—and we’re here to support, connect, and celebrate those who do it right.