Association of Reputable Breeders

ARB Code of Ethics

All members embrace and agree to abide by the high standards of practice outlined in the ARB Code of Ethics as set forth below.

I. Purpose: The ARB Code of Ethics is presented as a guideline for the minimum standard of care to be practiced by members.

II. General Health and Welfare:

i. Maintain the best possible standards of health, cleanliness and safety to all animals within your care.

ii. Administer all necessary inoculations up to date, and provide proper veterinarian care.

iii. Provide an environment which meets each animal's physical, emotional, and psychological needs.

iv. Not be involved in, or use your dogs for any illegal activity.

v. Promote responsible pet ownership.

III. Breeding:

i. Fully understand and accept the responsibility of finding suitable homes for any/all resulting puppies.

ii. Be familiar and knowledgeable with the standard of the breed(s) you choose to breed.

iii. To discontinue the breeding of animals who consistently produce offspring who have a defect or disorder which is

detrimental to the animal's well being, or temperaments which make them unsuitable as companion animals.

iv. Breed with the paramount intention of improving future generations, with consideration to temperament as well.

v. Refrain from breeding any female or male until they are both physically and mentally mature, and not breed any dog

beyond an appropriate age per your veterinarians recommendation.

vi. Provide an environment for pregnant animals which meets their physical, mental, and psychological needs.

vii. Provide proper veterinarian care including emergency services as needed and follow veterinarian guidelines for pregnant

females.

viii. Refrain from breeding any animal you consider to be in poor health, not physically or mentally sound, or lacking necessary

breed characteristics.

ix. Refrain from releasing any puppy before 8 weeks of age and, if shipping, obtain a veterinary health certificate prior to

travel.

x. No female shall be bred more than your veterinarian deems safe for her health.

xi. Encourage/require the spaying or neutering of any pet quality puppy.

IV. Business and Sales Practices:

i. Comply with all federal, state, provincial, and local government laws and regulations regarding the keeping and sale of

dogs.

ii. Never knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed, nor falsely advertise, or mislead any person regarding the

performance of any dogs for sale or puppies for sale.

iii. Keep accurate records to include vaccination histories, health screenings, litter records and puppies for sale, as well as

financial records pertaining to the sale of a puppy. Records should be kept on file for 2 years.

iv. Show discrimination in the sale of puppies and in finding suitable homes.

v. At the time of sale, provide buyer with a health record, health guarantee and basic diet and care information. Both parties

should have a copy of the sales contract or any written agreement.

vi. Be honest and ethical in all financial dealings with buyers.

vii. Honor all contracts regarding sales, co-ownerships, breeding rights, agreements, compensation for future puppies, leasing

a bitch, and stud service etc.

viii. Breeders are not to sell any animals within their care to dog wholesalers or any other retailers.

ix. Advertising should be factual and honest, both in substance and implication.

ARB MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS

i. Provide accurate and up to date business information, and notify ARB of changes.

ii. Provide current veterinarian information, and notify ARB of changes.

iii. Respond to complaints and disputes in a timely and professional manner.

iv. Allow vital information per the privacy policy to be neutrally available.

v. Keep dues up to date.

vi. No sharing or displaying of your membership seal on any unapproved sources.

v. Be mindful, and proud, of your reputation.

Members understand and agree that abuse, negligence, or failure to comply with standards set forth here are grounds for repercussions.