Where a puppy comes from matters. Responsible breeding practices can influence a puppy’s health, behavior, socialization, and readiness for life with a new family.
Petland Lake St. Louis and Petland Fenton Crossing are committed to working with breeders who prioritize animal health and well-being. More than half of the puppies at our two Missouri pet stores come from Canine Care Certified breeders who have completed an independent certification process based on research-backed animal care standards.
What Is a Canine Care Certified Breeder?
Canine Care Certified is a voluntary certification program created by the Center for Animal Welfare Science at Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
The program evaluates breeders using science-based standards developed to support the physical and behavioral well-being of puppies and adult dogs. Certification is earned through an independent review process. It is not simply a membership or marketing designation.
What Makes Canine Care Certified Breeders Different?
Canine Care Certified breeders are evaluated across five important areas:
- Physical health
- Behavioral health
- The dogs’ living environment
- Breeding practices and retirement
- Caretaker training and expectations
These standards go beyond basic licensing requirements by examining the breeder’s complete approach to animal care. This includes veterinary oversight, nutrition, socialization, enrichment, housing, responsible breeding practices, and the long-term care of parent dogs.
Independent Audits and Ongoing Accountability
Breeders must complete several steps before earning Canine Care Certified status. The process includes education about required care practices, an on-site audit by an independent third party, and a certification review.
Certification must also be renewed annually. These recurring audits help confirm that participating breeders continue to meet the program’s research-backed standards.
Veterinary science, independent evaluations, and annual renewals give families clearer insight into breeder care practices and their puppy’s early environment.
Better Standards for Puppies and Parent Dogs
The Canine Care Certified program considers the needs of puppies as well as their parents. Certified breeders follow standards addressing preventative veterinary care, proper nutrition, clean living environments, exercise, socialization, and mental enrichment.
The program also establishes expectations for responsible breeding frequency, retirement, and finding appropriate homes for retired adult dogs.
These practices give puppies a strong foundation during an important stage of development. They also support the health and quality of life of the adult dogs in a breeder’s care.
Our Commitment to Responsible Breeders
More than half of the puppies offered through Petland Lake St. Louis and Petland Fenton Crossing come from Canine Care Certified breeders.
We also work with trusted licensed, inspected, and regulated professional breeders, state-licensed breeders, and qualified hobby breeders. Our owners, managers, and Pet Counselors visit breeders throughout the year to review their facilities and learn more about the veterinary care, exercise, and socialization provided to their dogs.
Our goal is to give local families clear information about where their puppy comes from and help them make an informed, confident decision.