The decision to bring a pet into a family is an important one. There are many options to choose from (Click here for Pet Selection assistance). Although a breeder is the right choice for many pet owners, always consider a humane agency when looking for a pet. Call your local humane society or the APA for information about adopting a pet.
CONSIDER GIVING A SECOND CHANCE TO A FORGOTTEN FRIEND - Talk to
your local humane agency. Visit our pet
selection page!
Breeder referral is not currently available while we re-evaluate the process.
We strongly recommend that you visit your local humane shelter and consider adopting a pure bred or mixed breed pet there. In addition, they can usually put you in touch with rescue groups or if all else fails, local breeders.
The following services have been suspended.
There are two ways the APA can assist you in your
search for a new pure bred puppy. Breeder referral services are
currently not available for kittens, but will be in the near
future.
The first is to request the National Breed
Club listing for the breed you are looking for. In most
cases, this club can provide you with detailed information about
the breed and its care requirements. Along with information from
books, this information will help you to decide if a particular
breed is right for your family, and if your family is right for
the breed! We will even send you our 5 Step Puppy Plan and Pet
Vet Log!
The American Pet Association offers a complete breeder referral
service to members, at no charge, and to non-members for a small
processing fee (five dollars, refundable when you become an APA
member). This information will be available at no charge
online within the next 30 days.
There are two classifications for APA breeders. A Level One
breeder has been approved by the APA after having a detailed
application pass APA standards and references checked by an APA
professional. A Level Three breeder has only provided name,
address and phone numbers. Although this will be a helpful start
in your search for a new puppy, remember that you may have to be
put on a waiting list or have a puppy shipped to you. You will
also be responsible for visiting the breeder and making the final
decision about the breeder's operation and blood lines.
A Breeder Referral Package includes:
The National Breed Club listing for the breed you have
requested-for detailed breed information
A listing of local breeders in your area
A map of breeder locations and their proximity to your city or
town
To Order this full breeder listing just
click here.
(APA VIP members can request free detailed information about any
breeders personal experience with the breed, their breed's
history and have their references checked.)
What to expect?
Remember when searching for a new pure bred puppy that the
industry has loose standards regarding breeders and breed clubs.
Over 90% of breeder operations are run from a home. In most cases
this provides a close loving environment and allows you to get to
know the breeder personally. Most breeders are very devoted to
their breed and can be the best available source of information
about that breed. In other rare cases, standards and service are
not acceptable. Be prepared to ask questions. Most breed clubs
provide valuable information at no charge. Others charge a
reasonable small fee. These clubs are also operated mainly from
an enthusiast's home and very often can be contacted only by mail.
Most of the feedback we hear is positive but there are also clubs
that sometimes do not respond to inquiries.
We welcome your feedback concerning breeders and breed clubs. All
complaints are investigated and positive comments added to a breeder's file.