Whoop whoop! You’ve found a breed that fits your lifestyle and you’ve found a breeder. So what now? What to expect?
This will vary slightly from breeder to breeder but here’s the basics:
Pay a Deposit
Most breeders will ask you to pay a deposit, especially the hobby breeders. This assists with costs such as vaccinations, microchipping, food, worm treatment, flea treatment and de-sexing.
A reasonable deposit would be approximately a third of the purchase price. Many breeders will make this deposit non-refundable, or refundable pending finding another home. When you’ve paid your deposit and confirmed your pet, the breeder will advise others they have no pets available, and often these people go elsewhere, instead of staying on the waiting list.
It’s important that you let your breeder know if you no longer want the pet. Remembering it can take time to find another home, as many people don’t want older kittens or puppies.
Being honest and upfront with your breeder will provide the best outcome. Life happens, circumstances can change overnight, but a relationship of trust is important with your breeder.
Provide Your Details
Breeders will need to know your information. This will likely include things such as your name, email address, postal address, physical address and contact phone numbers. Depending on where you live & what your breeder does, this information is used for some or all of the following:
· their records,
· to advise the registry of transfer of ownership,
· to send you a new owner pet pack (if pet is transported/not collected)
· to set up microchip details and,
· to set up free pet insurance period.
Receive an Information Sheet & Pet Pack
A reputable breeder should provide you with an information sheet. It is important to take the time to read this. A good information sheet should detail things such as:
· current & recommended dietary requirements
· introduction to the new home/pets
· info on vaccinations, worming & flea treatments
· expectations in new environment
· other things related to the breed/breeder specific
They will also often send a pet pack. This includes samples of the food the pet has been eating, maybe the litter (if a kitten), other brochures/information, a “family blanket” – which travels with the pet to their new home to help with the transition, toys and anything else the breeder deems necessary.
Sign a Contract
Generally more prevalent in the northern hemisphere, a contract basically outlines the expectations between the breeder and the new owner.
Some breeders specify their pets must remain an indoor pet at all times, others may say that if for any reason the new owner can no longer care for the pet, that it must be returned to the breeder.
Common courtesy dictates that if the pet leaves your home for any reason (i.e. rehomed or passed away) it’s nice to let your breeder know. If there are genetic reasons involved it helps them to re-evaluate their breeding program.
Arrange Arrival Day
Arrange a day for collection or transport. This is a big day! Many people aim to do this over a weekend, or will take some time off work to spend with the new pet and help them settle in. Talk with your breeder about what they think is best for their breed.
Extended Wait Time
Sometimes the timing isn’t quite right, but only by a little bit. You can ask the breeder to hold your pet a bit longer, many will have the ability to do so, but don’t be offended if they ask for a contribution towards costs. As the pets continue to grow, so does their food consumption, and as you will soon find out, good quality food is expensive! There may also be repeat vaccinations, worming or flea treatment required before you are ready to collect your pet. Every breeder is different, so communication and talking to them is the best approach.
That’s Not the End
A good breeder will continue to be a valuable source of information for you throughout your pets life, and loves to see photo’s/hear about how the pet is going as they grow. For a reputable breeder, it’s not about “making a sale” it’s about completing a family with a treasured pet, and as such their contribution towards the health and longevity of your pet can create a long lasting relationship between the two of you.
