Pet Leadership Council Endorses Purdue University Project to Establish Dog Breeding Standards

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The Pet Leadership Council (PLC), comprised of pet industry leaders, animal welfare organizations, veterinarians and academia, has announced its support of a Purdue University Study currently underway to improve dog breeder standards.

The study is being led by Candace Croney, Ph.D. and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. In an effort to facilitate best care practices via research and education, it will address proper guidelines for all aspects of dog well-being in commercial breeding operations including housing, nutrition, sanitation, health and vet care, breeding ages, end of breeding life and the outcome of healthy puppies.

“This is an extremely important step forward to ensuring that our nation’s puppies are coming from breeders that maintain high standards of care and provide consumers assurance that puppies and adult dogs coming from certified breeders have been raised with significant attention to their physical, genetic and behavioral health and a lifelong commitment to the dogs’ well-being,” said Bob Vetere, PLC chairman.

While the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has commercial dog breeding standards and licensing in place, there is demand for additional measures to hold breeders accountable and help put an end to substandard breeders. These standards will provide breeders with a voluntary option to obtain a recognized and trusted certification with regular inspections.

More information on the Purdue Study can be found at http://vet.purdue.edu/CAWS/engagement.php#projects.