A common misconception is that raising animals is easy money. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are many things to consider and learn when becoming a breeder. Many animals in shelters are there because of inexperienced breeders, who did not take the time to learn about the breed, needs and expenses of breeding, and/or how to match the puppies up with the proper homes. Breeding is expensive, if not done properly, you will lose money and your animals (and their new families) will suffer in the end.

Love the breed you choose

Make sure you have taken the time to study the breed you are considering. Read all about the needs and personality of the breed. If the breed is not suited to your personality and lifestyle, this is going to be a huge headache. Your buyers are going to have questions, it is imperative that you know the answers. If not, you may be matching a family with an animal that is not suited to them. This leaves an unhappy family and animal. It is not worth it. These are your babies. You want them to have a long, happy life in a forever home. Consider how much time you have for the needs of the breed. If the animals require a lot of grooming, you are going to need to be able to devote several hours a week just to maintaining your breed. Make sure the temperament is suited to your personality. If the breed is hyper, and you like quiet and calm, you will be miserable. If you are breeding within your own home, you may want to shop for breeds that are low shedding, and do not have destructive tendencies. Your breeding animals are also your pets. If they are not maintained as pets they will become similar to wild animals. This makes the babies terrible pets. They will be raised not to trust the humans. This makes nervous, unstable animals in the long run.

Another important thing to research is how many breeders of that breed are in your area. For example, if the newspaper is full of Poodle puppies for sale, we probably don't need another Poodle breeder. A market flooded with too many breeders of one breed, leads to full animal shelters. It also means there is no profit. If there are too many, there is no demand, and the price per baby is driven down. Look for Rescue Groups of that breed. If there are several rescue groups in one area, it is not a good idea to make more of that breed. We have all of the Breed specific rescue groups, in our region, listed on our "Links" page. It is very clear that certain breeds have been way over bred.

Cost Effective?

There are many costs involved in breeding animals. Here is a list of most of them:

1. Veterinary - You will need to have a backup fund for emergencies (Accidents, C-sections, etc.). Your breeders will need to be tested for genetic defects, and general good health. Vaccinations must be current on all breeding animals. New babies have strict vaccination and deworming schedules. In most cases, every 2 weeks, starting at 4 weeks of age. You will need to have paperwork evidence that these things have been maintained, so your customers will have the records for their vet. You will also need to have veterinary supplies on hand, for minor emergencies (vitamin paste, styptic powder, soft food, etc.).

2. Housing - For outdoor kennels you will need an area that can be sterilized daily. Cleaning supplies, heating or cooling, fencing, bedding and many other factors add up quickly. Not to mention the time it takes to keep the clean environment. If you are raising indoors, you will need many of the same things, plus wear and tear on your home will have to be maintained.

3. Feed - Feed for animals gets more expensive all the time. Some breeds required special diets. Larger breeds will go through tons of food, especially once the growing babies start eating.

4. Advertising - Although we offer inexpensive advertising, there are times when the market is slow. You may need to supplement with newspaper ads. The average newspaper ad will run you $40.00-$50.00 for seven days. If the market is very slow, this will add up fast.

5. Delivery - Occasionally, you are going to have the perfect buyer for your breed. However, they are going to be far away. The only way to make the sale will be to meet or deliver. The price of gas is a killer right now.

6. Breeding Stock - You are going to want quality animals for breeding stock. These are not going to be cheap. Your initial cost to get started can average between $400.00 and $1000.00 per animal, depending on your breed.

7. Supplies - Dishes, grooming supplies, transport crates, leashes, collars, books on your breed, houses, beds, heating pads, etc. You are going to want all of these things to be nice and new or gently used. They too must be items that can be easily sterilized daily.

Temperaments/Problems

Make sure all of your animals have excellent temperaments. It is almost guaranteed, that one bad apple will spoil the whole bunch. Temperaments are definitely passed from parents to children.

If you have an animal that has had to go in for surgery to have her babies, or has had a very hard time delivering, please get her spayed. Next time could be the end of her, it is not worth it.

Selling

In order to sell, you must be willing to do the work. If you are advertising online, you need to keep your ads fresh, with nice photos and updated descriptions. If you don't care enough to keep it looking good, the buyers will decide you are in it for the money, and pass you by. An e-mail address is a must. Online shoppers prefer to communicate by e-mail. If you running newspaper ads, you need to make sure to describe what you have. Take the time to write a good ad. Always have a price in your ad. If you don't, buyers assume they must be too expensive, and that you are trying to get them to call for the "high pressure sale".

It is important to make yourself available. Check the e-mail often, and/or make sure you gave a phone number that you are able to answer most of the time. People generally hate to leave a message.

Be willing to answer all questions. Don't be offended by questions regarding the quality of your animals. A good prospective home will ask those questions. Answer honestly! If you "tell them what they want to hear", the animal will end up unwanted.

Watch out for your babies. If the prospective buyer seems unsure, or nitpicks the baby, this is not a good home. Ask questions of your own. You have a right to know where your baby is going, and if it will be safe and happy. For example: Midwest Pet Finder does not sell our Teacup Chihuahuas to homes with large animals, small children, or a spouse that hates little dogs.

Shipping

I personally do not ship animals. But you may want too. Generally the customer pays for shipping, unless you have included it in the purchase price. Please consider the health of your babies before you ship. Changing homes is very stressful for a young animal, adding a flight can have dire consequences. If you have fragile babies, or a timid one, the stress may cause too many health problems to be worth it.

In closing

Breeding animals is very time consuming, and expensive. If you are not willing to dedicate the time and money to being a good breeder, please have your pet spayed or neutered, to avoid accidents. Irresponsible breeding hurts everyone involved, especially the animals. Please consider all the information before making such a huge commitment. Thank you,

Layla - www.midwestpetfinder.com

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