No scammers. No hassles. GentleCompanions is dedicated to the health and well-being of your puppy, kitten, or horse.
Our Breeder Standards
We follow a very rigorous annual screening process with every breeder in our network to ensure that they are following our best-in-class standards.
Zero Tolerance Policy
GentleCompanions has a zero tolerance policy for any unethical or substandard breeding practices
Licensed by the USDA
GentleCompanions holds a USDA license and requires all breeders in our network to be licensed too, unless they qualify for an exemption by the USDA
GentleCompanions utilizes a data-driven system to assess and screen breeders nationwide, building an exclusive network of breeder partners dedicated to canine welfare.
The comprehensive breeder application process includes interviews, evaluation of ownership and operational history, on-site visits, criminal background checks, facility inspections, compliance assessments, reviews of government and humanitarian databases, and verification of veterinary history.
Breeder Screening, Vetting and Review
In addition to all USDA requirements, GentleCompanions enforces a comprehensive, proprietary screening process that all breeders must successfully complete during onboarding and annually thereafter. This screening process was developed by an independent Scientific Advisory Board to surpass all national standards.
Proprietary Breeder Screening
GentleCompanions invests millions of dollars annually in its rigorous, proprietary screening and compliance program. This enhanced screening process includes over 100 points of emphasis for every puppy, kitten, cat, horse, and their parents and is overseen by a dedicated Breeder Development team.
Furthermore, breeders who violate or fail to meet our standards are promptly removed from our network.
GentleCompanion’s Breeder Standards
We require every breeder to maintain a formal relationship with an attending USDA-accredited veterinarian to uphold a Program of Veterinary Care (PVC). GentleCompanions breeders are also required to adhere to a minimum vaccination and deworming schedule, established by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) for all puppies, kittens, cats, horses, and their parents.
Veterinary Care
The living spaces for every puppy, kitten, cat, and horse must meet our rigorous standards. Among the many factors we monitor are size, pet-friendly materials, aesthetics, ventilation, temperature, noise levels, flooring, bedding, lighting, cleanliness, pest control, outdoor facilities, and more.
Housing
We require every breeder to maintain adequate staffing to ensure regular, quality care for every puppy, kitten, cat, horse, and their parents, as well as to provide appropriate, comprehensive, and regular training for all staff.
Training of Staff
GentleCompanions maintains regular communication with its breeders, ensuring the quality of their operations and compliance with our breeder standards.
Regular Check-Ins
Our independent Scientific Advisory Board collaborates with the USDA to ensure we exceed all national standards.
The GentleCompanions Scientific Advisory Board is dedicated to continuously advancing the company’s industry-leading standards by implementing substantive, science-based best practices for both the organization and its breeder partners. The Board members’ expertise spans various fields essential to ensuring the physical and emotional long-term well-being of breeding puppies, kittens, cats, and equines placed through GentleCompanions' exclusive network of responsible breeders. Together, we are setting a new standard for animal welfare.
John J. Goldberg
Chairman, GentleCompanions Scientific
Advisory Board Former Sr. Science Advisor
Prof. Raymond Anthony
PhD, University of Alaska Anchorage Prof.
of Philosophy, Animal and Food Ethics
Dr. Ron DeHaven
DVM, DeHaven Veterinary Solutions, Former President and CEO,
AMA Former Administrator, APHIS, USDA
Dr. Kimberly Woodruff
DVM, Assistant Professor
Mississippi State University
Shelter Medicine
Dr. Aaron Wise
DVM
Our team is committed to working with key decision-makers on Capitol Hill to combat online pet scams. As part of our ongoing effort to ensure puppies, kittens, cats, and horses come from responsible breeders, shelters, or rescues, we actively collect information from our community regarding potential pet scams. Please contact us with any relevant details.
Our Fight Against Scammers
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