Questions, answered

A good breeder prioritises the health, welfare, and temperament of their animals. They should be transparent about breeding practices, provide veterinary records, discuss health testing where applicable, and be willing to answer questions before and after placement.

Trustworthy breeders are open about how their animals are raised, provide relevant documentation, allow prospective owners to ask questions, and are willing to discuss the health history of their breeding animals.

Yes. We encourage prospective owners to meet breeders in person where possible, or arrange a video call if distance is a challenge.

We recommend meeting the breeder, seeing where the animals are raised, and verifying documentation before making a commitment.

Yes. We encourage prospective owners to speak to multiple breeders, ask questions, and take the time to find the right fit for their family and lifestyle.

Vaccination schedules vary depending on age and veterinary advice. Your breeder should provide a vaccination record and discuss any future vaccinations that may be required.

Microchipping is strongly recommended in South Africa as it helps reunite lost pets with their owners and assists with identification.

You should receive veterinary records, vaccination information, deworming records, microchip details (if applicable), and any other documentation relevant to the animal.

Health testing requirements vary by breed. Breeders should be able to explain any health screening or genetic testing relevant to their breeding programme.

The price varies significantly depending on the breed, breeder practices, health testing, veterinary care, and demand.

Breeders may invest significantly in veterinary care, health testing, quality nutrition, socialisation, housing, enrichment, and ongoing welfare. These factors can influence the price of a puppy or kitten.

Pet ownership costs may include food, routine veterinary care, vaccinations, parasite prevention, training, grooming, emergency treatment, and pet insurance.

Many South African pet owners choose pet insurance to help manage unexpected veterinary expenses. The right option will depend on your budget and your pet's needs.

Consider your lifestyle, living arrangements, activity level, grooming requirements, budget, and the amount of time you can dedicate to a pet. A breed's appearance is only one part of the picture. Temperament, exercise needs, and long term care requirements are equally important.

Puppies can be incredibly rewarding but require time, patience, training, and socialisation. Adult dogs often have more established personalities and may suit households looking to skip the puppy stage.

Kittens are playful and rewarding but require time, patience, and socialisation. Adult cats often have more established personalities, making it easier to find a suitable match for your household and lifestyle.

Breeders should only breed dogs once they are physically and emotionally mature and after receiving appropriate veterinary guidance.

No. RightPaw does not permit breeders whose practices appear inconsistent with our Code of Ethics, verification framework, or animal welfare standards.

A puppy mill is a commercial breeding operation where profit is prioritised over animal welfare, often resulting in poor living conditions, inadequate care, and poor breeding practices.

Backyard breeding generally refers to breeding without adequate planning, knowledge, health screening, or consideration for animal welfare and long term outcomes.

Never pay a deposit before verifying the breeder, asking questions, reviewing documentation, and confirming the legitimacy of the listing.

Warning signs may include requests for urgent payment, refusal to provide photos or videos, inconsistent information, or an unwillingness to answer questions.

Report the listing through our platform so that it can be reviewed.

Consider your lifestyle, living arrangements, activity level, grooming requirements, and the time you can dedicate to your pet.

Some breeds adapt better to warmer conditions than others. Prospective owners should research breed specific needs before making a decision.

Both purebred and mixed breed pets can make wonderful companions. Responsible breeding practices, appropriate care, and suitability for your lifestyle are more important than pedigree alone.

Verified means the breeder has completed RightPaw's review process and agreed to the RightPaw Code of Ethics. Verification should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future conduct, animal health, temperament, or breeding outcomes. We encourage all prospective owners to conduct their own due diligence.

Our review process may include the assessment of breeder information, documentation, registration details, health testing information, and discussions regarding breeding practices.

No. While we conduct reviews and verification processes where applicable, prospective owners should always perform their own due diligence before purchasing a pet.

Yes. Breeders who fail to meet our standards or who act inconsistently with our policies, verification framework, or Code of Ethics may have their listings suspended or removed.

Our Code of Ethics promotes transparency, animal welfare, and informed decision making. It helps prospective pet owners understand the standards breeders on our platform commit to following.

RightPaw connects prospective pet owners directly with breeders who have completed our review process and committed to our Code of Ethics.

No. RightPaw provides a platform where breeders and prospective owners can connect directly.

No. Any deposits, payments, agreements, or arrangements are made directly between the breeder and the prospective owner.

Once you submit an enquiry, you'll receive the breeder's contact details so you can connect directly. We encourage prospective owners to ask questions, learn about the breeder's practices, and ensure the puppy or kitten is the right fit before making a commitment.

You can report a breeder through our platform. Each report is reviewed according to our policies and procedures.

Yes. Breeders who fail to meet our standards or who violate our policies may have their listings or profiles removed.

RightPaw helps breeders showcase their breeding programme professionally, connect directly with informed pet owners, manage litter listings, and participate in a platform built around transparency, education, and animal welfare.

Simply complete the breeder registration process and submit your profile information for review.

No. Breeder profiles are not made public immediately after registration. Every breeder undergoes a review process before their profile is published on the platform.

Once your profile has been submitted, a RightPaw representative will review the information provided and contact you to discuss your application.

Yes. A RightPaw representative will arrange a call with you to: - Validate the information submitted in your profile. - Discuss your breeding programme and practices. - Review the RightPaw Code of Ethics. - Explain how breeder profiles and litter listings work. - Answer any questions you may have about the platform. - Explain how free trial pet insurance benefits are activated for new pet owners.

You may be asked to provide information relating to: - Your breeding programme. - Breeding animals. - Registration details where applicable. - Health testing information. - Veterinary records. - Photos of your animals and facilities. - Any other information relevant to the RightPaw review process.

Verification means your information has been reviewed against the RightPaw verification framework and that you have agreed to participate in accordance with the RightPaw Code of Ethics. Verification should not be interpreted as an endorsement, accreditation, certification, or guarantee of future conduct, breeding outcomes, or ongoing compliance.

Timeframes may vary depending on the information provided and whether additional information is required during the review process.

RightPaw may request updated information from time to time and reserves the right to conduct additional reviews where necessary. Verification is based on information available at the time of review and may be reassessed if concerns are raised regarding compliance with platform policies, the Code of Ethics, or animal welfare standards.

Not necessarily. While registrations with organisations such as KUSA, Canine South Africa, CFSA, SACC, or breed specific clubs may form part of the information reviewed, registration alone is not the sole determining factor in the review process.

There are currently no subscription fees for breeders to join the platform.

Yes. Once your profile has been approved, you will be able to create and manage your own litter listings through the platform.

Breeders are responsible for ensuring their profile information remains accurate and up to date. Changes can be updated through your profile or discussed with the RightPaw team where required.

No. RightPaw provides a platform to help connect breeders and prospective pet owners, but does not guarantee enquiries, sales, placements, or breeding outcomes.

Yes. RightPaw reserves the right to suspend or remove profiles that are inconsistent with our platform policies, verification framework, Code of Ethics, or animal welfare standards.

RightPaw was built to bring greater transparency to the pet discovery process. We focus on breeder reviews, buyer education, animal welfare, and meaningful connections between breeders and prospective pet owners. Our goal is to help buyers make informed decisions while giving breeders a professional platform that reflects the care and commitment they put into their breeding programmes.

Owning a pet is a long term commitment. Prospective owners should ensure they can provide suitable housing, veterinary care, nutrition, exercise, enrichment, and companionship throughout the animal's life.

Yes. Animal welfare in South Africa is governed by legislation and enforced by relevant authorities and welfare organisations.

By submitting an enquiry, you consent to your information being processed and shared in accordance with our Terms and Conditions and POPIA requirements.