BREEDING YOUR PET KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING Think carefully before breeding your dog or cat. If you still want to breed, here are some recommendations: Don't breed your pet unless you honestly believe it is really something special. Wait until the pet is at least two years old. This gives enough time for you and your vet to recognize any serious medical or behavioral problems. Be aware that even well known breeders are fortunate if they break even in raising a purebred litter. Costs of stud fees, vaccinations, other health care costs and feeding a high quality food, consume most of the profit. Both animals being bred should be examined by a veterinarian to ensure they are certified free of any medical disorders that could be passed on to the litter. One example of a commonly genetically transmitted disease that results in painful degenerative arthritis in the hip joint of dogs is hip dysplasia. While your dog may not show any symptoms, he/she may still have it and pass it on to the puppies and now several other families have to deal with a problem that could have been avoided. When breeding a litter, it's your responsibility to ensure the future owner, that the puppy or kitten is as healthy as possible. It needs to be free from disease that may limit its life or cost more than the owner could afford to correct the condition. What will you do if there is an emergency while the animal is in labor at 2AM? Do you have the food and equipment you will need to give the mother and the offspring proper care? What will you do if you cannot find homes for all the puppies or kittens? What are your choices? Can your family absorb 4 extra puppies or kittens? If you're thinking humane society, be aware most puppies and kittens delivered there do not find homes. Rather, they are euthanized after 7-10 days due to lack of space. When you've been through all the research, time and expenses of breeding your pet, you'll understand why good breeders charge what they do and why they are so careful about the homes the puppies go to. Breeding your pet is not a decision to be taken lightly so please be responsible.