Thinking of Breeding A Pet?

(taken from HSUS Animal Update, Fall 2000)

You probably know that there are too many dogs and cats in the world and too few homes for them. In fact, an estimated eight to ten million dogs and cats enter animal shelters each year and roughly half are euthanized. While you may not breed your own pets, it's likely you sometimes encounter people who are considering breeding their pets. What should you tell these well-meaning but misinformed pet owners about breeding? You can offer them seven reasons to decide against it.

• The Tragedy of Overpopulation: Breeding your pet compounds the problem of too many pets for too few homes. Even if you find homes for your litter, you've taken away potential homes from other pets who need them. And in less than a year, animals from your litter could have litters of their own. Pet overpopulation happens one litter at a time.
• Purebreds Are Homeless, Too: Many people believe that the only way to get a purebred dog is to go to a breeder or a pet store, or to breed their own purebred dog. In fact, at lease one of every four shelter dogs is purebred! Before you breed your pet, check with your local animal shelter or breed specific rescue group.
• You Can't Clone Your Pet: Some people feel their pet is so special that they want a puppy or kitten just like him/her. But breeding your pet does not mean you'll get a carbon copy. Even professional breeders who follow generations of bloodlines can't guarantee that they will get just what they want out of a particular litter.
• Good Breeding Is Hard: Responsible breeding is a complicated process. Breeding your female pet puts her health at risk, and her offspring can fall victim to a variety of genetic defects. That's why, in addition to researching bloodlines, responsible breeders test their animals for genetic defects that can be passed to offspring from seemingly healthy parents. A pedigree DOES NOT guarantee good health and temperament.
• A Litter Is A Handful: The idea of having cute puppies and kittens around can be tempting. But in reality, caring for mom and her litter requires a great deal of time and energy.
• A Litter Is Expensive: From food and basic supplies to veterinary exams and vaccinations, raising a litter isn't cheap. And difficult births are not only life-threatening for the animals but also costly for you. Even professional breeders are lucky if they break even financially.
• A Litter Needs Good Homes: If you decide to breed your pet, the welfare of the offspring is your responsibility. You must screen potential adopters to ensure that they will provide a safe and permanent home for your pet. And you must watch out for animal bunchers and dog-fighters who routinely answer classified ads, posing as people who want family pets. Proper screening involves making phone calls and home visits, creating a contract that states your terms - and ensures that the puppy or kitten will be spayed/neutered, which requires follow-up on your part.