Paw Spot: Committed to Ethical Breeding Practices

At Paw Spot, transparency is our top priority. We understand the importance of finding the perfect puppy for your family, and we want to empower you to make an informed decision. That’s why we partner with breeders who prioritize responsible breeding practices and the well-being of their dogs.

Introducing the Paw Spot Code of Ethics:

Developed in collaboration with veterinarians and informed by state laws, breed club standards, and best practices, the Paw Spot Code of Ethics outlines the core principles of responsible breeding. We personally vet each breeder joining our platform to ensure they uphold these standards.

Why a Code of Ethics Matters:

• Healthy and Happy Pups: Responsible breeding practices minimize the risk of genetic diseases and behavioral issues, giving puppies the best start in life.
• Informed Decisions: Our Code of Ethics empowers you to understand a breeder’s approach and choose one that aligns with your values.
• Building Trust: We believe transparency builds trust. By outlining breeding practices, we help you make a confident choice.

Paw Spot Code of Ethics:

1. Breeding & Welfare:

• Top Priority: Paw Spot breeders prioritize the welfare of their dogs, ensuring proper diet, disease control, grooming, and responsible breeding practices.
• Age Restrictions: Breeding females are at least 12 months old (18 months for giant breeds) and have a vet’s approval for breeding on their first heat. Females over 6 years old or with more than 4 litters require a vet’s written permission.
• Litter Frequency: Each female has a maximum of two litters within an 18-month period, unless cleared by a vet. Breeders who have previously bred a female via caesarean section require written vet permission for future breeding.
• Temperament: Only dogs with suitable temperaments for family pets are bred.
• Puppy Placement: Puppies never leave their mothers before 8 weeks of age. Toilet training practices are initiated before the puppy joins your home.

2. Health Practices:

• Parasite Prevention: Puppies and adult dogs receive regular worming and flea/tick treatments, with documentation maintained.
• Vaccinations: All puppies are vaccinated at 6-8 weeks old, with a signed record from their veterinarian. Adult dogs receive regular vaccinations or titre testing (unless exempt by a vet).
• Isolation Facility: Breeders have a designated area to isolate sick dogs, preventing transmission to others.
• Health Testing: Breeders ideally perform health testing on their dogs to inform breeding decisions. If not, a “fit to breed” statement from a vet is required for each parent dog.
• Brachycephalic Breeds: Breeders of brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds adhere to specific health testing protocols outlined in our Brachycephalic Policy.

3. Home Environment:

• Early Socialization: Puppies are housed with their mothers and littermates until at least 6-7 weeks old (depending on state regulations).
• Adequate Living Space: Dogs and puppies are housed in a safe, clean environment protected from weather extremes. Their living space is cleaned regularly and offers a designated sleeping area.
• Whelping Areas: Mothers have a separate space for whelping, which is cleaned daily.
• Exercise and Enrichment: Adult dogs receive daily exercise, and enclosure sizes comply with state regulations.
• Socialization Requirements: Breeders raising puppies in purpose-built facilities meet Paw Spot’s minimum socialization requirements to ensure proper development.

4. Feeding:

• Clean Water: All dogs have access to clean water at all times.
• Nutritional Support: Females in late gestation and early lactation receive increased food intake through ad-lib feeding or multiple meals daily.
• Solid Food Introduction: Puppies are offered solid food from 3 weeks of age.
• Weaned Puppy Diet: Weaned puppies up to 12 weeks old are fed at least 3 times daily or have ad-lib access to food.

5. Physical Condition:

• Grooming: All dogs are kept reasonably well-groomed to maintain healthy skin and coat.
• Weight Management: Breeders monitor the weight and body condition of pregnant/lactating females and puppies. All dogs are maintained at a healthy weight.

6. Documentation & Records:

• Lifetime Rehoming: Breeders agree to take back their dogs at any stage of life if rehoming becomes necessary. Paw Spot may assist with rehoming if needed.
• Puppy Records: Detailed records are kept for each puppy, including microchip information, vaccination records, and parasite prevention history. Any health issues are documented and provided to new owners.
• Adult Dog Records: Detailed health records are maintained for breeding dogs, including microchip details, vaccinations,