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Our standards

RightPaw code of ethics

Finding the right breeder can feel overwhelming. The RightPaw code of ethics outlines the standards and principles that breeders on our platform commit to following ”” helping prospective pet parents make informed decisions and better understand what good breeding practices look like in reality.

Our standards have been developed using veterinary guidance, animal welfare principles, responsible breeding practices, and applicable South African regulations and industry recommendations.

How we assess breeders

Breeders undergo a review process covering documentation, veterinary records, health testing information, and discussions regarding breeding practices. Acceptance indicates agreement with this code of ethics and satisfaction of onboarding requirements at the time of review.

Marketplace responsibility

Breeders remain solely responsible for the accuracy of their listings, compliance with applicable laws, all transactions with buyers, and the health, welfare, and placement of animals they breed.

Breeding & welfare

RightPaw breeders prioritise the physical and emotional wellbeing of their animals throughout every stage of life ”” including appropriate nutrition, preventative healthcare, safe living environments, regular grooming and socialisation, and breeding practices that support the long-term welfare of both parents and offspring.

Dogs

  • Maintained at a healthy weight and body condition
  • Regular exercise appropriate for their age, breed, and physical condition
  • Access to clean, safe, and comfortable living environments with adequate shelter
  • Appropriate grooming, coat care, and hygiene management
  • Enrichment, play, social interaction, and positive human engagement
  • Opportunities to express natural canine behaviours
  • Not bred, housed, or managed in a manner that compromises their long-term health or welfare

Cats

  • Maintained at a healthy weight and body condition
  • Access to clean, safe, secure, and enriched environments
  • Species-appropriate enrichment ”” opportunities to climb, perch, scratch, hide, rest, and play
  • Clean litter facilities that are regularly maintained
  • Appropriate grooming, coat care, and hygiene management
  • Regular positive human interaction and appropriate socialisation
  • Not bred, housed, or managed in a manner that compromises their long-term health or welfare
Why it matters
Good welfare is about more than preventing illness. Dogs and cats thrive when their physical, emotional, and behavioural needs are met. Animals raised in environments that support natural behaviours are more likely to develop into confident, well-adjusted companions.

Health practices

RightPaw breeders are knowledgeable about common health concerns within their breed and undertake appropriate health screening and genetic testing where available and relevant.

  • Documented worming programmes for all adult dogs and puppies
  • Appropriate flea and parasite prevention and treatment, with records maintained where applicable
  • Puppies vaccinated before leaving for their new homes, with veterinary records provided
  • Adult dogs vaccinated or titre tested in accordance with veterinary recommendations, unless exempted
  • An isolation area for any dog requiring separation due to illness
  • Health testing on breeding dogs to inform responsible breeding decisions
  • Veterinary fit-to-breed assessment where breed-specific health testing is not performed
  • Additional health testing for breeds with known hereditary concerns, including brachycephalic breeds
  • Relevant health test results made available to prospective owners upon request
Why it matters
Health screening and preventative care help breeders make informed breeding decisions and reduce the risk of avoidable hereditary and infectious health issues.

Housing, environment & enrichment

Breeders should provide environments that support the physical, behavioural, and emotional wellbeing of their animals. Accommodation should be clean, secure, appropriately maintained, and suitable for the species, age, and number of animals being housed.

Dogs

  • Sufficient space to move freely, rest comfortably, and engage in normal behaviours
  • Access to secure exercise areas and opportunities for daily activity
  • Protection from excessive heat, cold, rain, wind, and other environmental hazards
  • Appropriate bedding, resting areas, and enrichment
  • Regular social interaction and environmental stimulation

Cats

  • Access to secure indoor accommodation or controlled environments that prioritise safety and welfare
  • Vertical spaces, climbing structures, hiding areas, scratching surfaces, and resting areas
  • Housing that supports behavioural needs and reduces unnecessary stress
  • Sufficient litter facilities that are appropriately maintained
  • Regular enrichment, play opportunities, and environmental stimulation
Why it matters
The environment animals live in directly impacts their physical health, emotional wellbeing, and behaviour. Animals raised in environments that meet their behavioural and social needs are more likely to become confident, adaptable companions.

Nutrition & feeding

Breeders are responsible for providing nutrition that supports the health, growth, development, and wellbeing of their animals throughout every stage of life. Animals should have access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times.

Dogs

  • A complete and balanced diet appropriate for their age, breed, size, and activity level
  • Puppies receive nutrition that supports healthy growth and development
  • Pregnant and lactating females receive additional nutritional support where required
  • Feeding practices that maintain healthy body condition and minimise risks of under or overfeeding
  • Dietary changes introduced gradually and managed appropriately
  • Food stored, prepared, and provided in a hygienic manner

Cats

  • A complete and balanced diet formulated specifically for feline nutritional requirements
  • Kittens receive nutrition that supports healthy growth and development
  • Pregnant and lactating queens receive additional nutritional support where required
  • Feeding practices that recognise the unique requirements of cats as obligate carnivores
  • Food and water provided in a manner that promotes hygiene and minimises stress in multi-cat environments
  • Food stored, prepared, and provided in a hygienic manner
Why it matters
Nutrition plays a critical role in growth, development, reproduction, immune function, and long-term health. Good nutrition lays the foundation for healthier puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats.

Records, accountability & lifelong responsibility

RightPaw breeders recognise that breeding responsibly extends beyond the point of sale.

  • Taking responsibility for the animals they breed throughout the animal's lifetime
  • Assisting with rehoming where practical if an owner can no longer care for their pet
  • Providing new owners with complete records ”” identification, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and known health information
  • Maintaining accurate health records for breeding dogs
  • Keeping complete breeding, health, vaccination, worming, identification, and placement records
  • Maintaining detailed records of every litter in accordance with applicable provincial legislation and municipal by-laws
  • Providing clear information about deposits, refunds, guarantees, and buyer rights where required by law
  • Being transparent when acquiring animals intended for future breeding programmes
  • Cooperating with RightPaw regarding breeder verification, compliance, and welfare-related enquiries
Why it matters
Good record-keeping, transparency, and ongoing accountability help protect animal welfare, support responsible ownership, and build trust between breeders and pet parents.

Transparency & education

RightPaw breeders understand that informed pet owners make better long-term decisions.

  • Communicating honestly about their breeding programme, breeding animals, and available litters
  • Providing accurate information about breed characteristics, temperament, exercise requirements, and potential health considerations
  • Encouraging prospective owners to ask questions and make informed decisions
  • Being transparent about health testing, veterinary care, and breeding practices
  • Supporting new owners with appropriate guidance during the transition to their new home
Why it matters
Transparency helps prospective owners understand what they are committing to and promotes better outcomes for both pets and families.

RightPaw’s ongoing commitment

The welfare of animals remains our highest priority. RightPaw reserves the right to request additional information from breeders, conduct further reviews, suspend listings, or remove breeder profiles where participation may be inconsistent with the principles of this Code of Ethics, animal welfare considerations, or applicable laws.

Our goal is to promote transparency, support informed decision-making, and encourage breeding practices that prioritise the long-term wellbeing of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens.

A note on verification

RightPaw assesses breeder information, documentation, and declared breeding practices against the principles outlined in this Code of Ethics. While we strive to verify information wherever reasonably possible, breeder participation and compliance may involve information provided directly by breeders.

RightPaw does not independently guarantee ongoing compliance with all legal, veterinary, or welfare requirements. Prospective pet owners are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and ask meaningful questions before purchasing a puppy or kitten.

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