The Pet Leadership Council, an organization comprised of pet industry leaders, animal welfare advocates, veterinarians and academia, announced its support for Canine Care Certified, a new national, voluntary program that sets rigorous, science-based standards for professional breeders. The program is built on five pillars of care for dogs and puppies in a professional breeding environment:
- physical health
- environment
- behavioral health
- breeding life
- retirement and caretaker expectations.
Of equal importance is the program’s independent, third party auditing, which assures that participating breeders comply with program standards.
Source: Pet Product News, August 5, 2016.
Dog breeding operations have to be accountable for the physical and mental needs of the dogs and ensure that they receive appropriate housing, shelter, staffing, nutrition, socialization, sanitation, exercise and veterinary care. The Canine Care Certified program will now provide clear standards and assurance for professional breeders and consumers that a dog or puppy is raised in a healthy environment that positions the animal for success in transitioning to home life,” according to Bob Vetere, PLC chairman and president and CEO of the American Pet Products Association.