Is it a good idea to visit a breeder in person?

In the past, visiting a breeder’s home was the primary way for families to meet puppies and assess a breeder's environment. This was considered a standard practice to establish transparency and trust.

But times have changed. With advancements in technology, a deeper understanding of disease transmission, and an increase in safety concerns, responsible breeders now say no to home visits. This decision protects vulnerable puppies, nursing dams, and breeder families while still allowing buyers to connect and engage through modern virtual tools.

Let’s explore why home visits are no longer appropriate and how breeders are adapting to provide safe, transparent, and ethical ways to build trust.

Why Home Visits Were Once Standard

Historically, inviting families into a breeder's home was the best way for buyers to:

Meet their potential puppy.
Assess the breeder’s environment.
Build trust and confidence in their purchase.

However, these practices arose before modern technology, better awareness of disease risks, and the unfortunate rise in breeder-targeted violence.

Today, responsible breeders recognize that no home visits is the safer, healthier option for everyone involved.

The Health Risks of Home Visits

Puppies and Disease Transmission

Young puppies are highly susceptible to diseases, especially those that are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. Allowing strangers into a breeder’s home increases the risk of exposure to life-threatening illnesses such as:

Parvovirus
Distemper
Other harmful bacteria and viruses

These pathogens can be unknowingly carried into the home on visitors’ shoes, clothing, or hands. Puppies don’t develop adequate immunity until they’ve received at least two rounds of vaccinations, typically by ten weeks of age.

Responsible breeders prioritize biosecurity, understanding that limiting exposure during this critical period can save lives.

The Safety Risks for Breeders and Families

An Alarming Rise in Violence and Theft

In recent years, breeders have increasingly become targets of crime, with devastating consequences. Criminals often pose as potential buyers to gain access to breeders’ homes, leading to theft, violence, and even murder.

Real-life examples highlight the dangers:

A UK dog breeder was murdered after arranging to meet a puppy buyer (The Mirror).
In Kansas, Lori Heimer was killed by someone pretending to be a puppy buyer (NBC News).
Armed robbers have targeted breeders in Florida, Texas, and Massachusetts, stealing puppies and threatening lives (Washington Post, Fox News, WCVB).

Breeders have the right to protect their families and personal safety. Saying no to home visits ensures they can do so while continuing to care for their animals.

Why Breeders Say No to Home Visits

It’s no longer reasonable or safe for breeders to allow strangers into their homes. Saying no to home visits is about:

Protecting Puppies: Keeping them safe from deadly diseases.
Protecting Families: Preventing violent encounters, theft, and other risks.
Ensuring Transparency: Providing virtual options to maintain trust without compromising safety.

Modern tools allow breeders to connect with families in meaningful ways while upholding these vital protections.

How Technology Bridges the Gap

With today’s technological advancements, breeders can provide transparency and connection without ever opening their doors.

Virtual Visits and Updates

Video Chats: Platforms like FaceTime and Zoom let breeders give live tours of their homes and facilities, allowing buyers to see how puppies are cared for.
Weekly Updates: Breeders can post regular updates, photos, and videos of puppies on social media or private platforms.
Private Calls: Buyers can schedule one-on-one video chats to interact with their future pet and ask questions about the breeder’s practices.

The Benefits of a No-Visit Policy

Healthier Puppies: Reduced exposure to viruses and bacteria.
Safer Families: Breeders and their loved ones remain protected from violence.
Convenience for Buyers: No need to travel while still receiving the information they need.

This approach offers a win-win solution for everyone involved.

Addressing the Criticism of No Home Visits

Saying no to home visits does not mean breeders are hiding anything. On the contrary, it reflects their commitment to prioritizing safety and health.

Critics often misunderstand this policy, assuming it’s a lack of transparency. However, responsible breeders still maintain open communication and provide proof of their ethical practices through virtual options.

FAQs

1. Why don’t responsible breeders allow home visits?For the safety of puppies, dams, and their families, responsible breeders avoid home visits. Diseases like parvovirus can be easily transmitted, and breeders are also at risk of violence or theft when allowing strangers into their homes.

2. How can I trust a breeder if I can’t visit their home?Responsible breeders offer virtual tours, live video chats, and frequent updates to show their facilities and practices. These methods ensure transparency while keeping everyone safe.

3. Are puppies safe from diseases when visitors come into a breeder’s home?No. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated puppies are highly vulnerable to diseases that can be carried on shoes, clothing, or hands. Limiting exposure during the early weeks of life is critical to their health.

4. Is saying no to home visits a sign of an unethical breeder?Not at all. Responsible breeders prioritize safety and health, and virtual options allow them to remain transparent without unnecessary risks.

5. What’s the best way to assess a breeder without visiting?Ask for live video tours, detailed photos, and regular updates. Ethical breeders are happy to share how they care for their puppies and facilities.

Sources for Further Reading

Conclusion

Saying no to home visits isn’t about avoiding transparency—it’s about protecting puppies, dams, breeders, and families. Responsible breeders have adapted to modern challenges by embracing technology and prioritizing safety while maintaining open communication with buyers.

Next time you hear someone question this policy, remember the risks breeders face and the thoughtful measures they take to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved.