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Ideally, puppies are placed when they are between 10-12 weeks of age. Puppies should not be fully weaned before 8 weeks old unless there are medical or behavioral reasons to do so.
Animal breeder professional#
Providing all dogs with quality food, clean water, proper shelter, exercise, socialization and professional veterinary care.Responsible breeders provide their dogs with a high quality of care, which includes: These breeders reject the practices of commercial breeders, brokers, pet stores, auctions and others who profit from cruelty and instead plan breeding carefully, place dogs thoughtfully, and take a lifetime responsibility for the animals they have bred and for all of their offspring.
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The ASPCA recognizes that there is a demand for purposefully bred dogs, and we know that there are dog breeders who share our vision for humane communities in which all animals are treated with respect and kindness. This position statement focuses primarily on dogs, but certainly has some application to other species, particularly cats and rabbits. Those who choose to purchase a pet should visit a responsible breeder, a term whose meaning we explain further below. Because there are homeless animals awaiting adoption in almost every community in the nation, the ASPCA firmly believes that when people decide to bring a pet into their homes, they should first consider adoption from a shelter or rescue group.
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