Did you know...

Less than 10% of applicants to join our breeder network are approved. Before joining, applicants are required to sign our Breeder Pledge, promising to uphold our high standards of ethical breeding and humane puppy care. When you want to be sure you’re working with the most loving breeders around, just look for the Uptown Badge of Approval.

The following is what all approved Uptown breeders pledge to adhere to...

Breeder Background

1 ) Must have a formal, ongoing relationship with an attending veterinarian, and must follow a Program of Veterinary Care (PVC).

2 ) Must have more than 1.5 years of experience breeding dogs, with at least two litters raised.

3 ) Breeders MUST be aware of, and in compliance with all local, state and federal licensing requirements.

Care, Health and Wellbeing

4 ) Dogs will always have access to clean drinking water and recognized food.

5 ) Food given will always be appropriate for the age, breed and size of the puppies and given at correct feeding intervals to keep our dogs at a healthy weight.

6 ) Any feeding schedule changes and questions will be addressed by the attending veterinarian.

7 ) All dogs will be provided with regular, daily human socialization (in addition to normal cleaning, feeding and care).

8 ) All puppies will have daily opportunities for exercise and play, whether that’s by access to an outdoor dog run or by following a vet-prescribed exercise plan.

9 ) Vet exercise plans should detail specifics for both puppies and adult dogs, including session length, interaction with other dogs, and exceptions for special cases.

10 ) All breeder exercise areas and primary enclosures will include at least one type of safe enrichment opportunity, such as ponds, toys, ramps, etc.

11 ) Before breeding, breeders must ensure their dogs are free from any genetic condition or disease which might impact the health of their dogs.

12 ) Breeders must have a written PVC developed with (and certified by) their attending veterinarian.

13 ) All PVCs must include plans to address animal welfare and health concerns, including descriptions of parasite prevention, disease detection and treatment, breeding plans, vaccination and exam schedules, and more.

14 ) Dogs will be groomed and bathed to ensure optimal welfare.

15 ) All breeder facilities will have separate quarantine facilities to isolate animals with contagious diseases, in order to prevent the spread of said disease to healthy pups.

16 ) Make sure each litter results from a careful consideration of the parents’ physical well-being and temperament, avoidance of genetic diseases, parentage, and pedigree.

17 ) Always provide the best care, and a safe, clean environment for all dogs living in their facilities.

18 ) Provide regular socialization, exercise, interaction and enrichment.

19 ) Never breed a female before she is mentally and physically mature (breed-dependent), and only after a vet has examined her and declared her to be in excellent health.

20 ) Never breed females beyond their breeding age, or to breed a dog after a vet has determined her otherwise unfit to continue breeding.

21 ) Never rear more than 4-6 litters per mother dog, as per veterinarian advice.

22 ) Always ensure that puppies are examined by a licensed veterinarian, receive a clean bill of health, appropriate shots and deworming schedule before being adopted.

23 ) Always comply with federal, state, and local regulations.

Housing Facilities

24 ) The puppies’ primary enclosure must be big enough to allow the dogs to turn around, sit, lie down and stand without any sort of physical constraint.

25 ) The primary enclosure must provide a place for the dogs to rest and feel secure.

26 ) Breeders are required to have contingency plans for emergency and natural disaster response that allows for a quick, safe evacuation of their dogs.

27 ) Humidity and temperature levels must be controlled and kept in a safe range (on a breed-by-breed basis).

28 ) Outdoor kennels and facilities must provide adequate shelter, shade, and protection from the cold and heat.

29 ) All kennels must be fully serviced by utilities, including electricity, drinking water, gas, and wastewater disposal.

30 ) All facilities must be cleaned daily and sanitized in consultation with a qualified veterinarian.

31 ) No wire flooring unless wire is coated.

32 ) Kennels should be cleaned at least once daily.

33 ) Provide a non-stressful environment for whelping/nursing, separated from other dogs.

34 ) Provide ample space for puppies to move alongside their littermates in the whelping area.

35 ) The whelping area should be cleaned more frequently than the rest of the facilities, to account for extra waste from the puppies.

Adoption

36 ) Always keep pups for as long as needed to ensure they’re placed in the right homes.

37 ) Never allow any puppy to be adopted before it’s old enough—usually 8 weeks.

38 ) Never deceive families of the dog/breed’s characteristics or personality.

39 ) Thoroughly screen all prospective families with specific questions to ensure all dogs go to the best homes.

40 ) Always disclose known health problems before it is adopted.

41 ) Ensure that every adopted dog is accompanied by a health certificate (with deworming and vaccination dates), sales contract, health warranty, resources covering breed-specific health issues and, if applicable, their national registry documentation.

42 ) Always maintain thorough records of each and every litter bred.

43 ) Never sell to buyers who haven’t been screened and approved, to ensure that all puppies go to safe, loving homes.

44 ) Offer guidance and answer questions to new owners for the entire life of the adopted dog.

45 ) Offer assistance with rehoming of the adopted dog if the new owner is unable to keep the dog.

46 ) Our transportation services are in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.

47 ) All breeders who take responsibility for arranging transportation for their pups agrees to be knowledgeable of (and ensure compliance with) all of the aforementioned rules and regulations.