ABN: 40859073240
Buying a Puppy:
What You Need to Know
Our Purpose
Fur and Family First Companion Dog Breeders Inc. was formed to educate and support breeders in ethical, welfare-focused companion dog breeding.
Our mission is also to give puppy buyers peace of mind by promoting accountability and compliance, with independent veterinary auditing as a key component of our membership standards.
Buying a Puppy 101
When purchasing a puppy, it is important to choose a breeder who prioritises animal welfare, transparency, and responsible breeding practices.
All current members of Fur and Family First have:
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Undergone independent veterinary audits of their property, kennels, records, and dogs
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Completed health inspections conducted by a registered veterinarian
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Provided photo identification to verify their identity and location
These measures are designed to support ethical breeding practices and transparency.
Verifying Our Members
Our members are easy to verify.
Each breeder is issued a membership number. When contacting a breeder, you can confirm their membership by matching the last six digits of their contact number with their membership number listed on our website.
Membership information is updated as required.
Questions to Ask a Breeder
When speaking with a breeder, consider asking the following:
1 - Toilet Training
Ask whether toilet training has been started and what methods the breeder recommends continuing in your home.
2 - Grooming Requirements
All dogs require some level of grooming. Ask what is required for the breed, including brushing, trimming, nail care, ear cleaning, and general maintenance.
3 - Lifestyle Suitability
Ask whether the breed is suitable for your lifestyle. Ethical breeders understand their breeds well and will be honest if a dog may not be the right fit.
4 - Health Considerations
Ask about common health concerns within the breed and whether health or DNA testing has been undertaken. Breeders should be knowledgeable about breed-specific conditions and proactive about health management.
5 - Sales Agreements and Guarantees
Responsible breeders should provide a written sales agreement outlining:
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Roles and responsibilities
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Health or genetic guarantees
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Desexing requirements or arrangements
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Refund, return, and lifetime rehoming policies
6- What to Check When You Receive Your Puppy
When meeting your puppy for the first time, check:
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Eyes are clear and alert
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Ears are clean and free from discharge
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Belly is free from bumps or abrasions
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Bottom area is clean
It is recommended to have your puppy examined by a veterinarian within 72 hours of receiving them. If concerns arise, contact the breeder promptly.
Professional Assessment & Accountability
All Fur and Family First breeders are assessed through independent veterinary audits conducted by registered professionals. These assessments help evaluate animal welfare, housing, and care standards.
What’s Important to Remember
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Choose your breed carefully — a dog is a long-term commitment, often 13 years or more
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Look for breeder feedback and transparency
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Ethical breeders may allow property visits, subject to biosecurity rules
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Ongoing support from a breeder is valuable, but training and consistency are essential for a healthy relationship with your dog
Buying a Puppy Online
We understand that not all buyers can visit a breeder in person. When purchasing a puppy online or from interstate, consider the following:
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Is the breeder registered with a recognised organisation?
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Can membership be verified?
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Does the breeder have an ABN (where applicable)?
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Do their website, social media, and contact details align?
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Is there a visible history of activity and engagement?
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Be cautious and take time to research. Scam-awareness resources can also be helpful.
Breeder Organisations in NSW
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Examples of organisations include:
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Fur and Family First Companion Dog Breeders Inc. (FFFCDB)
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Master Dog Breeders Association (MDBA)
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Responsible Pet Breeders Australia (RPBA)
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Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC / Dogs NSW)
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National Companion Pet Institute (NCPI)
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Australian Association of Pet Dog Breeders (AAPDB)
Breeder Responsibilities
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All Fur and Family First breeders agree to:
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Provide a written sales agreement
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Offer a lifetime rehoming policy
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Comply with all relevant state or territory legislation
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Maintain ethical and responsible breeding practices
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Prioritise the health and welfare of dogs in their care
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Treat clients with courtesy and professionalism
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Breed responsibly and only when suitable homes are available
Important Note
Fur and Family First Companion Dog Breeders Inc. is a membership-based association. While we promote high standards and transparency among our members, we encourage all buyers to conduct their own research and ask questions when choosing a breeder.