Canine Care Certified™

Nationwide Certification Program - Establishes Rigorous Standards for Breeders

Guidelines, audits are first to comprehensively focus on behavior and physical health of dogs.

Our Promise to Dogs and Puppies

At Canine Care Certified™, we believe in a world where every puppy is born into a supportive, caring environment. It’s not just about raising puppies; it’s about creating a future where every dog is cherished, nurtured and protected from the moment they open their eyes. Together, we make a difference.

Like you, we love dogs. We want to support good breeders and end “puppy mills.” Canine Care Certified™ helps breeders meet high standards for welfare, and helps ensure that puppies come from a kennel where dogs are treated well.

Choosing a Canine Care Certified™ puppy is more than a decision; it’s a commitment to support a community dedicated to the highest standards of care. Together, we’re building a future where our love for dogs shows in our choice to provide every dog the high-quality care they deserve.

What is Canine Care Certified™?

Canine Care Certified™ is a nationwide, voluntary program that addresses the health and overall welfare of dogs in the care of breeders in the United States. It’s the only program that addresses both the physical and behavioral health and welfare of dogs and puppies raised by breeders.

Breeders seeking to be certified must meet or exceed our rigorous standards for physical and behavioral welfare. The Canine Care Certified™ program certifies dog breeders and their kennels. The program does not certify distributors, transporters, pet stores, or online platforms that sell puppies.

Over 200 Breeders Certified

Five Pillars of Care

The Canine Care Certified™ program provides Standards of Care in the form of five pillars that far exceed current regulatory programs. By becoming Canine Care Certified™, breeders demonstrate their commitment to continuously raising the bar on the care and attention they offer to their dogs.

The Standards of Care were created by Candace Croney, PhD at Purdue University in 2013 based on existing and ongoing research. They were further developed in collaboration with other recognized academic and practicing animal science and veterinary medicine leaders with expertise in diverse canine welfare sciences (e.g., genetics, physical health, and behavior).

Physical Health

Preventive veterinary care and treatment
Genetic and health screening
Regular dental care
Grooming

Behavioral Health

Behavioral wellness plans
Preventive care and treatment
Exercise
Socialization
Meaningful enrichment

Environment

Safe, high-quality spaces
Access to the outdoors
Multiple flooring types, including solid surfaces

Breeding Life and Retirement

Established ages for onset and end of breeding
Limits on breeding frequency and total litters
Rehoming program
Retired dogs cannot be sold at auctions or for research

Caretaker Expectations

Continuing education on canine care and welfare
Low-stress handling procedures
Site visits to view kennels and dogs with considerations of biosecurity and safety