You’ve done your research. You’ve decided on the breed that fits your lifestyle, confirmed with your landlord if needed, and maybe even picked up a few beds and toys in anticipation. All that’s left is finding the actual puppy or kitten. But this step matters more than you might think.

You don’t want to unknowingly support a puppy mill or deal with a backyard breeder who cuts corners on health. Finding the right breeder takes a bit of effort, but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this process.

Start with Official Registries

For dogs, the American Kennel Club (AKC) runs programs like Bred with H.E.A.R.T. and Breed with Merit that recognize breeders who meet specific standards for health testing, education, and responsible practices. The AKC Marketplace is a solid starting point for finding breeders who’ve been vetted to some degree.

For cats, The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) maintain breeder directories. Breeders listed with these organizations have agreed to follow codes of ethics, which is a meaningful baseline.

These registries aren’t perfect — registration alone doesn’t guarantee a great breeder — but they filter out the worst actors.

What Good Breeders Have in Common

Responsible breeders share certain traits regardless of the breed or species they work with.

They health-test their breeding animals. For dogs, this means hip and elbow evaluations, eye exams, cardiac screenings, and breed-specific genetic tests. For cats, it means screening for conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease. A good breeder will show you these results without hesitation.

They invite you to visit. A breeder who won’t let you see where the animals live is a red flag. You should be able to meet at least one parent, see the living conditions, and observe how the animals interact with people.

They ask you questions. A responsible breeder cares about where their animals end up. They’ll ask about your living situation, your experience with the breed, and your plans for the animal. If a breeder is willing to sell to anyone with a credit card, that’s a warning sign.

They provide a contract and health guarantee. This typically includes requirements for spaying or neutering pets that aren’t going to show homes, a return clause if you can’t keep the animal, and a guarantee against genetic health problems.

Red Flags to Watch For

Multiple breeds available at all times is a significant warning sign. Responsible breeders typically focus on one or two breeds and have waiting lists. If someone is advertising several breeds with puppies or kittens always ready to go, you’re likely looking at a commercial operation that prioritizes volume over care.

Reluctance to share health testing results, refusal to let you visit, pressure to buy immediately, and prices that seem too good to be true are all reasons to walk away.

Extremely low prices often mean the breeder skipped expensive health testing. Extremely high prices don’t automatically mean quality either — but if a price seems dramatically out of line with the breed average, ask why.

Consider Rescue and Adoption

Breed-specific rescue organizations are worth exploring alongside breeders. Many purebred dogs and cats end up in rescue through no fault of their own — owner surrenders, breeder retirements, and life changes account for most of them. You can often find your preferred breed through rescue at a fraction of the cost.

Shelters are another excellent option. Mixed breeds are often healthier than purebreds due to greater genetic diversity, and a good shelter will temperament-test their animals and match them to appropriate homes.

Take Your Time

The right breeder is worth waiting for. A six-month wait list for a well-bred puppy from health-tested parents is normal and actually a good sign. Rushing this decision — or buying impulsively from the first source that has an animal available — is how people end up with significant vet bills and heartbreak.

Do your research, ask hard questions, verify health testing, and trust your gut. The effort you put in now pays off in a healthier, happier companion for years to come.