Pawrade Breeders: An Introduction to Our Network of Ethical Breeders

• I. Introduction
• II. A Puppy Paradox
• III. Using Pawrade to find a reputable breeder
  • a. Why do breeders use Pawrade to find customers?
• IV. The Pawrade Process for Breeders
  • a. How does Pawrade choose breeders?
  • b. Who are Pawrade breeders?
  • c. Do I have direct communication with Pawrade breeders?
  • d. Can I meet a Pawrade breeder?
    • - Why you should schedule a video call with a breeder
  • e. What to ask a breeder
• V. Are there Pawrade breeders near me?
  • a. Local Pickup and Breeder Meetup
  • b. Airport Pickups
  • c. Flight Nanny Service
  • d. Pampered Ground Home Delivery
• VI. What Breeders Say About the Process
• VII. What Families Say About the Process
• VIII. Peace of Mind from Start to Finish

Puppies are everywhere. Someone you know just welcomed home an adorable puppy. Your favorite celebrity just adopted a new furbaby. Now you can’t help but notice cute puppies wherever you go. Whenever you scroll through your phone, your feed is full of puppies getting haircuts, doggies acting silly, and pups finding forever homes. All of a sudden, you’re down the rabbit hole searching “puppies for sale near me” for hours instead of going to bed on time. 

If you’re lucky, like really, really lucky, you might find a local breeder near you who breeds the exact type of dog you want, with puppies at the precise age ready to be brought home, at the perfect price you are hoping to pay.

We can almost guarantee that it will only take a few minutes to realize it’s not that easy. Your online searches will show you dozens of places to buy a puppy from. Although looking at puppy pictures never gets old, it can be overwhelming to browse through multiple websites and determine which breeders are legitimate and which are not.

A Puppy Paradox

In the complex world of online pet acquisition, many misconceptions and outdated views persist, often fueled by negative experiences with unverified brokers and puppy mills. We directly address these myths here to provide clarity on the security, transparency, and ethical standards that define the Pawrade network.

How can there be so many websites, ads, and posts about available puppies, yet it feels like there are so few real and reputable options? Experts report 80% of pet listings online are scams, leaving you with the task of sorting through countless listings, messaging back and forth with multiple people, and trying to evaluate breeders. It quickly becomes stressful, and without having the right guidance, it’s easy to feel unsure about which sources you can trust.

With the risk of scams at an all-time high, and with no legal definition of "puppy mill", puppy-seekers and reputable breeders both suffer the consequences. Amidst all of the efforts to stop puppy mills, sometimes it seems like there isn't enough effort to offer good breeders a safe platform to offer responsibly-bred puppies to individuals and families ready for puppy joy.

Wouldn’t it be easier if there were a trusted team to do the hard work for you: screen and verify reputable breeders, bring them together on one easy-to-use website, and hold them to strict standards to ensure ethical practices bring healthy, happy puppies into the world?

You can probably see where this is headed (wink wink). 

Using Pawrade to find a reputable breeder

Opinions about what makes a reputable breeder circulate the internet, often finding their way into forums and discussions, which end up being echo-chambers of rigid subjectivity. A common rhetoric is, "No reputable breeder would use a third-party or broker to sell their puppies." They say reputable breeders require meeting the prospective buyers and may choose which puppy is best for the person or family. They also claim all reputable breeders have waitlists and future litters already spoken for. Others voice opinions that reputable breeders should participate in breed-specific clubs or only breed "titled dogs," or that reputable breeders would never cross-breed.

In our experience, these beliefs only serve as blanket statements and fail to recognize the hard work and good intentions of other breeders. On Pawrade.com, you can find available puppies from breeders that show their dogs and breed champion-titled sires and dams. You will find breeders who do OFA health testing on breeding dogs. You are also required to fill out our standard Buyer Questionnaire as a preliminary application for a puppy you're interested in. Pawrade is not a broker buying and reselling puppies. Instead, Pawrade is one of the safest online puppy marketplaces available, even safer than the AKC Marketplace, which was found to have connections to 30 breeders identified in the Horrible Hundred 2025 Report.

Pawrade streamlines the entire process of finding a responsible breeder, sparing you from endless research, weeks of back-and-forth communication, and what can often turn into months (or even years) of waiting for the right puppy. According to World Population Review, larger US states have only around 1,000 breeders registered with the AKC, while smaller or less populated states have fewer than 30. Sure, not all breeders are AKC-registered, but the statistics shed light on the small presence of licensed breeders within our communities. Needless to say, Pawrade reduces the time and stress of finding a puppy from an ethical source you can be proud of. 

Furthermore, Pawrade removes the risk of scams and puppy mills that you are bound to find during your puppy search. What goes on behind the scenes of Pawrade is where the magic happens to make it all work. The first point of emphasis, and arguably the most important, is the credibility of Pawrade breeders. Taking a selective approach with the breeders we choose to partner with is a highlight of our mission. 

Why do breeders use Pawrade to find customers?

We like to say that we do the paperwork so our breeders can focus on the puppy work. Raising puppies is a full-time responsibility that requires round-the-clock dedication, especially during the first few weeks of life. Breeders are busy giving puppies early neurological stimulation and socialization, monitoring the post-natal health of the dam (mom dog), supervising each and every puppy's nutritional intake from the dam and through the weaning process to solid food, and keeping the living spaces clean and safe. It's almost a 24/7 job, particularly for the first four weeks.  

Pawrade helps lighten that load by managing the administrative side of the process. From screening families to handling inquiries, payments, and signatures, we allow breeders to concentrate on what they do best: raising healthy, happy, well-socialized puppies. This balance ensures that families are matched with puppies smoothly and breeders don’t feel pulled in ten different directions at once.

Another reason breeders partner with Pawrade is to help reach the right audience. Finding the right family isn’t always as simple as posting a listing online. Websites like PetClassifieds.com and Hoobly.com allow people to list pets without any verification measures in place. As a result, these sites are riddled with fake listings and scammers. Community-based platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook Marketplace have strict regulations against listing pets for sale, "except by vetted pet adoption matching services" such as Pawrade. It's become increasingly difficult to find legitimate places to list pets online (for good reasons), which has made the value of Pawrade increasingly intrinsic.

Contrary to the myth that all reputable breeders have waitlists, thinking that breeders solely rely on reputation and word-of-mouth referrals is outdated (and slightly ignorant) in today's digital era. While referrals are valuable, they can be inconsistent or too limited to guarantee the best home for every puppy. Pawrade solves this challenge by connecting breeders with a nationwide audience of qualified families actively searching for a puppy. This means breeders don’t just find homes—they find the right homes.

And believe it or not, breeders face scams just like pet seekers do. Stories of fake checks, counterfeit cash, and credit card disputes are far too common, leaving breeders vulnerable to losing not only money but also the puppies they’ve worked so hard to raise. Pawrade removes this risk by processing all payments securely through a trusted partner, PetPay. Funds are held safely until a family has successfully received their puppy, protecting breeders from financial fraud and ensuring families have peace of mind throughout the process.

For breeders, using Pawrade is about more than convenience. It’s about joining a platform that values ethical practices, protects their hard work, and shares their commitment to placing puppies in loving, responsible homes.

The Pawrade Process for Breeders

Becoming a Pawrade breeder involves a series of verification measures designed with safety and trust in mind. Beyond the paperwork and policies, what truly sets the process apart is the relationship we build with our breeders. Every breeder who joins Pawrade is accountable and committed to raising healthy puppies from healthy bloodlines.

Our process also focuses on education and support. Breeders have access to resources that help them stay current on best practices, from new veterinary guidelines to evolving travel safety protocols. This ensures that they aren’t just meeting our requirements at the beginning but are continually improving the puppy care they provide.

Ultimately, the Pawrade process is about building a network where breeders, families, and puppies are supported at every step.

How does Pawrade choose breeders? 

Every breeder who applies to work with Pawrade goes through a vetting process. Hundreds apply each year, but only a fraction are accepted. It’s not just about passing a one-time inspection; it’s about teaming up to give puppies the very best start in life. We look for breeders who view dogs as family members first and intentional breeding as a responsibility, not a shortcut to quick profit. Included in the long list of things we review are:

• Background Checks
  • We mandate formal background checks to ensure we are working with outstanding members of our communities. We have zero tolerance for animal abuse, cruelty, or neglect, and will never agree to, or continue to, work with someone who acts this way.  

• Vet References
  • Building a relationship with our breeders’ veterinarians is a cornerstone of our partnership with breeders. We view breeders and their veterinarians as different faces of the same coin. They go hand-in-hand, and we check to make sure the veterinarians are experienced and licensed.

• Health Histories
  • Reviewing all health reports of breeding dogs is a critical step in determining if a breeder meets our requirements. Many puppies on our website are bred from breeding dogs who are health cleared by organizations like the OFA, Embark, Wisdom Panel, and more. Other puppies are born from "proven" bloodlines, meaning they come from champion bloodlines or generationally healthy bloodlines. 

• Breeding Histories
  • To fight unethical practices like inbreeding and overbreeding, we check the breeding histories and lineages of each dam and sire. In doing so, we support intentional breeding of healthy, compatible dogs. This includes, but is not limited to: reviewing the age of each dam (female dog parent), checking notes for any birth complications, and cross-referencing registration paperwork to avoid closely-related breeding dogs.

• Undeniable Proof
  • Breeders must provide clear pictures and videos of their homes and kennels to guarantee their puppies are raised in sanitary and humane environments. Virtual tours of their homes or facilities are a must, and any lack of complete transparency is grounds for the immediate end of our consideration of working with a breeder.

• No “Horrible 100s”
  • Performing online audits protects us (and you) from ever dealing with animal abusers identified in the annual Horrible Hundred list published by Humane World for Animals. Yearly investigations are tedious but necessary. Pawrade reduces the time and stress of finding a puppy online from a responsible, ethical source. At Pawrade, we reference this list continually and make our decisions for approving or denying breeders known company-wide.

By facilitating this step-by-step screening process, we can carefully narrow the field of applicants down to only the most responsible breeders, protect families from scams and unsafe breeding practices, and create an environment where every connection between a puppy, a breeder, and a new family is built on trust, health, and transparency.

Who are Pawrade breeders?

Pawrade breeders are dog fanatics. They are educators in the field, as well as catalysts towards a world where ethical breeding is accepted, respected, and protected. Pawrade breeders are hardworking citizens of their communities with spouses, families, careers, and hobbies, who also happen to be passionate about ethically breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies. Many of our breeders have worked as veterinarians and vet techs. Some have shown their dogs in competitions and have carried on generations of champion bloodlines. 

All in all, Pawrade breeders are real people with real love for what they do. For an in-depth look at some of our breeders, read our Breeder Spotlight series!

Do I have direct communication with Pawrade breeders?

Absolutely! Our concierge service is designed to provide quick responses about the puppy you're inquiring about, but we understand if you want to learn more about the puppy from the person who knows them best, the breeder. Perhaps you need more pictures and more videos before making a decision, or maybe you're curious about the puppy's personality and estimated adult weight. No matter the question, we are happy to involve the breeder in the conversation.

• Phone calls facilitated by our team, so both you and the breeder have support if any questions come up.

• Zoom or video calls, which let you meet the breeder face-to-face, see your puppy in real time, and ask the questions that matter most to you.

• Message Center threads where you can exchange written messages and photos with the breeder.

  

By requesting direct communication with the breeder through our secure systems, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your conversations are private, verified, and fully backed by Pawrade. This way, your relationship with your puppy’s breeder starts on the right foot—with openness, trust, and safety as the foundation.

Can I meet a Pawrade breeder?

We do not schedule in-person visits with our breeders, but we are more than happy to schedule a video call between you and the breeder. Why the distinction? It's not about hiding anything. It's about safety and health.

We understand wanting to meet your puppy before purchase, but this has become nearly impossible for us to offer to everyone.

• We receive far too many inquiries on puppies to organize visits to our breeders. Oftentimes, we have many families asking about the same puppy, and it’s not feasible to schedule enough visitations to give each interested party a fair chance to make a decision.

• Introducing puppies to multiple visits increases their risk of exposure to parasites and bacteria, which threaten their delicate immune systems.

• Tragic stories have made national headlines about breeders being assaulted and robbed, held at gunpoint, and even killed for their puppies.

Families who work with Pawrade get the chance to connect with breeders quickly through conversations and calls. Quick communication and transparent answers are only possible because we’ve already done the hard work of corroborating that each breeder is trustworthy.

Before assuming that anything is being hidden, it’s important to understand the safety measures in place to keep the online purchase and adoption of a puppy secure for everyone involved. Video calls aren’t meant to be a compromise. Puppies deserve the same level of convenience and safety as we do, without sacrificing trust.

Why you should schedule a video call with a breeder

Virtual meet & greets have gradually become a new norm between breeders and prospective puppy parents. Video calling serves several purposes, all of which we support:

• If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video may as well be worth an entire story. Meeting the breeder and the puppy on a video call will clue you in on how the puppy behaves when being handled and how the puppy acts in a comfortable environment.

• A video call connects you directly with the breeder themselves and experience their passion for their dogs firsthand. This builds trust and allows you to feel confident that your puppy is coming from a caring, responsible place.

• Virtual meet and greets offer convenience and accessibility. Whether you’re across the state or across the country, it gives you an equal opportunity to engage meaningfully in the process.

For an in-depth look at some of our breeders, watch our Breeder Interviews on YouTube!

What to ask a breeder

The good news is, our team at Pawrade knows the right questions to ask. We know what other organizations ask breeders to verify responsible practices. We know what families like yours want to ask for reassurance that your future puppy is being raised with love and care. More than that, though, we know what answers to listen for that reveal whether a breeder is genuine, transparent, and ethical.

Many first-time puppy seekers don’t always know where to begin. Should you ask about vaccines, temperament, or food? Should you focus on the parents’ health history or the puppy’s current care? The reality is, you should ask about all of it. A responsible breeder won’t hesitate to provide details because they are proud of the standards they maintain.

That’s why we encourage families to treat conversations with breeders like an open dialogue rather than an interview. The best questions aren’t just about checking boxes; they help you paint a picture of what life has been like for your puppy so far. Questions about socialization, playtime, and early training matter just as much as paperwork and veterinary records.

When breeders share thoughtful answers, you learn their philosophy. A breeder who emphasizes enrichment and bonding is telling you that your puppy has already been set up for success in your home. A breeder who volunteers stories about how the puppies interact with children or other pets shows they view puppies as family members, not just litters.

At Pawrade, we don’t just pass along your questions; we help guide the conversation so you feel confident that nothing important is overlooked. This way, you can step into your role as a new puppy parent with clarity, peace of mind, and excitement for the journey ahead.

Are there Pawrade breeders near me?

Chances are, yes! Our breeder network covers more than 35 states, which means most families are within reasonable driving distance to pick up their puppy. But the truth is, you don’t need to limit yourself to what’s nearby. With Pawrade, you can find the right puppy for your lifestyle and needs, whether the breeder happens to be one town over or several states away.

At first glance, finding a puppy in a major city might seem easy. After all, cities are full of people, so surely they’re full of breeders, too. In reality, urban environments make it much harder to raise litters of puppies. Limited space and strict apartment-living restrictions often prevent breeders from operating in these areas. That means your choices in the city may be scarce, or worse, filled with unverified breeders who don’t prioritize the health and welfare of the animals.

On the other hand, if you live in a rural area, you may face the challenge of having too few people living near you. Smaller communities often don’t have a wide selection of breeders, and it can be difficult to find the specific breed you’re dreaming of without traveling a long distance.

That’s where Pawrade steps in. No matter where you live, our collection of breeders and our nationwide puppy travel solutions make finding your new companion both safe and accessible. With Pawrade, you gain access to one of the widest selections of puppies available online, with over 50 breeds and countless combinations of coat types, sizes, and temperaments. 

Local Pickup and Breeder Meetup

We love it when our new puppy parents can pick up their puppy in person. It’s a special moment that marks the start of a journey together. Every puppy listed on Pawrade can be picked up directly from their breeder. In some cases, breeders are even happy to meet you partway or arrange a meeting at a nearby airport if you’re flying in.

Airport Pickups

Airport pickups are often easier than people expect. With standard flight delivery, you won’t need to worry about navigating busy passenger terminals. Instead, you’ll go to a designated location at the airport where they supervise pets for pick up. Beforehand, you’ll receive all the flight details along with an Airway Bill number unique to your puppy, ensuring that only you can claim them.

Flight Nanny Service

For those who want an even more personal experience, Pawrade also offers a Flight Nanny service. A dedicated “airpanion” travels alongside your puppy the entire way, from check-in through boarding, during the flight, and finally through arrival. This way, your puppy is never unattended and is constantly being cared for. Families receive the Flight Nanny’s contact information to communicate directly on the day of travel. You’ll be able to receive updates throughout the day and call or text to confirm exactly where to meet them at the airport for a smooth and joyful handoff.

Pampered Ground Home Delivery

They appreciate the convenience of having their puppy brought directly to their home. With ground delivery, a professional team of pet-loving drivers transports your puppy in a climate-controlled vehicle, giving them frequent breaks for food, water, and comfort. This option ensures your puppy arrives well cared for every step of the way.

What Breeders Say About the Process

Feedback from our breeders is equally as important as feedback from you. Breeders frequently tell us that one of the biggest benefits is time. Pawrade helps by taking on much of the coordination, so breeders can stay focused on raising healthy, well-adjusted puppies instead of worrying about administrative tasks.

Another common theme we hear is their appreciation for the quality of families we introduce their puppies to. Since Pawrade carefully nurtures a relationship with prospective puppy parents, breeders feel confident that their puppies are placed in homes where they’ll be cherished.

Safety is another reason breeders choose to work with us. Many share that this reassurance allows them to focus on the joy of connecting puppies with families rather than the stress of protecting themselves from bad phishing messages and ill-intentioned customers. Here are a few quotes from Pawrade breeders:

• “Pawrade’s experience and knowledge give me the support I never knew I needed. I’ve been a breeder for over 15 years and Pawrade has made the past few years the best ever!"

• “Pawrade takes away the stress of raising furbabies. We enjoy more time with our family and dogs. It's a priceless experience and we are proud to be a part of it!"

• "I was referred to Pawrade and I haven't looked back since. They have seriously elevated the way I'm able to care for my puppies, parent dogs, and new puppy families!"

What Families Say About the Process

Families who have worked with Pawrade often highlight how reassuring it was to speak directly with their puppy’s breeder. Here are a few examples from recent Pawrade Reviews:

• “I was connected to the breeder to ask specific questions, which really helped, and my puppy was exactly as described and what I was looking for! We have had a seamless integration of our new family member into our home, and we love him dearly!”

• “[We] were able to have a Zoom call with our breeder. We have been scammed by others who claim to be reputable breeders, but not Pawrade. They went above and beyond to help us with our new family member.”

• “Pawrade was very helpful in helping us through the process of getting our puppy. We were able to get all of our questions answered quickly. They facilitated a conference call with the breeder.”

These stories matter because they demonstrate that breeder contact isn’t just possible, it’s a highlight of the entire process that we encourage. 

Peace of Mind from Start to Finish

No matter which option you choose, our goal is to make the transition safe, simple, and memorable. You’ll always receive clear communication, detailed instructions, and updates so you know exactly what to expect. Because welcoming a puppy into your family should feel exciting, not overwhelming, Pawrade offers the services and protections that are important to you, so you can focus on what really matters: bringing your new best friend home.