Indiana Council for Animal Welfare
Code of Ethics/Standards for Dog Breeders
The Indiana Council for Animal Welfare (ICAW) is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethical dog breeding practices. Our mission is to safeguard the well-being, health, and happiness of dogs, while promoting responsible breeding practices that prioritize their welfare. This Code of Ethics outlines the principles and guidelines that members of ICAW pledge to follow.
1. Responsible Breeding Practices:
Members of ICAW shall prioritize the health, temperament, and well-being of the dogs they breed, and only breed dogs that possess sound genetic health. Breeders shall not engage in the breeding of dogs with debilitating hereditary defects or diseases that can be passed onto offspring unless otherwise approved by a veterinarian.
2. No Auctions or Research:
Members shall not sell dogs at auctions or for research purposes. Dogs bred under the care of ICAW members are intended for loving, responsible homes and companionship.
3. Euthanasia Considerations:
A dog shall only be euthanized when a licensed veterinarian recommends it as the most humane option, and only when no other reasonable alternatives are available. Euthanasia is not to be used as a form of retirement for dogs.
4. Ethical Pet Store Transactions:
Breeders and brokers who sell to pet stores shall ensure that the stores operate in an ethical manner and prioritize the health and well-being of the dogs they sell.
Breeders shall maintain open communication with pet stores to monitor the welfare of dogs after they have been placed in homes.
5. Retirement and Rehoming:
Breeders shall establish a clear age of retirement based on the recommendation of a
veterinarian for their breeding dogs, ensuring they are retired at an appropriate age to live out their remaining years in comfort and contentment. When a dog reaches retirement, breeders commit to actively engage in good rehoming practices, seeking suitable and loving forever homes for their retired dogs.
6. Retail Sale
Breeders who sell retail shall screen every potential buyer and shall only make sales to responsible buyers who are ready for a puppy. ICAW stands behind any breeder who refuses a sale because they believe the purchaser will not be a good fit for a puppy. If a breeder makes a sale and contracts a transporter, it is the breeder’s responsibility to make sure the transporter is both legal and reputable, putting the puppies’ welfare above all else.
7. Transparency and Honesty:
Members shall provide accurate information about their breeding practices, the health of their dogs, and any relevant certifications or tests.
Breeders shall be transparent about any known health issues or genetic concerns within their breeding lines.
8. Compliance with Laws and Regulations:
Members shall know and comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to dog breeding, animal welfare, and the sale of dogs.
9. Continuous Education:
Breeders shall actively seek to improve their knowledge and skills in all aspects of dog breeding, including health, genetics, and responsible breeding practices.
10. Community Engagement:
Members shall actively engage with the community, promoting responsible dog ownership, and educating the public about the importance of ethical breeding.
11. Accountability and Enforcement:
ICAW shall enforce this Code of Ethics and may take appropriate action, including but not limited to suspension or revocation of membership, in cases of non-compliance. Members of the Indiana Council for Animal Welfare are dedicated to adhering to the principles outlined in this Code of Ethics, with the goal of ensuring the well-being and happiness of dogs and maintaining the highest standards of ethical breeding practices. New members shall be pending members until evaluated.
All members shall have an annual on-site kennel evaluation.
Revised: 12/12/23
Code of Ethics/Standards for Dog Breeders
The Indiana Council for Animal Welfare (ICAW) is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethical dog breeding practices. Our mission is to safeguard the well-being, health, and happiness of dogs, while promoting responsible breeding practices that prioritize their welfare. This Code of Ethics outlines the principles and guidelines that members of ICAW pledge to follow.
1. Responsible Breeding Practices:
Members of ICAW shall prioritize the health, temperament, and well-being of the dogs they breed, and only breed dogs that possess sound genetic health. Breeders shall not engage in the breeding of dogs with debilitating hereditary defects or diseases that can be passed onto offspring unless otherwise approved by a veterinarian.
2. No Auctions or Research:
Members shall not sell dogs at auctions or for research purposes. Dogs bred under the care of ICAW members are intended for loving, responsible homes and companionship.
3. Euthanasia Considerations:
A dog shall only be euthanized when a licensed veterinarian recommends it as the most humane option, and only when no other reasonable alternatives are available. Euthanasia is not to be used as a form of retirement for dogs.
4. Ethical Pet Store Transactions:
Breeders and brokers who sell to pet stores shall ensure that the stores operate in an ethical manner and prioritize the health and well-being of the dogs they sell.
Breeders shall maintain open communication with pet stores to monitor the welfare of dogs after they have been placed in homes.
5. Retirement and Rehoming:
Breeders shall establish a clear age of retirement based on the recommendation of a
veterinarian for their breeding dogs, ensuring they are retired at an appropriate age to live out their remaining years in comfort and contentment. When a dog reaches retirement, breeders commit to actively engage in good rehoming practices, seeking suitable and loving forever homes for their retired dogs.
6. Retail Sale
Breeders who sell retail shall screen every potential buyer and shall only make sales to responsible buyers who are ready for a puppy. ICAW stands behind any breeder who refuses a sale because they believe the purchaser will not be a good fit for a puppy. If a breeder makes a sale and contracts a transporter, it is the breeder’s responsibility to make sure the transporter is both legal and reputable, putting the puppies’ welfare above all else.
7. Transparency and Honesty:
Members shall provide accurate information about their breeding practices, the health of their dogs, and any relevant certifications or tests.
Breeders shall be transparent about any known health issues or genetic concerns within their breeding lines.
8. Compliance with Laws and Regulations:
Members shall know and comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to dog breeding, animal welfare, and the sale of dogs.
9. Continuous Education:
Breeders shall actively seek to improve their knowledge and skills in all aspects of dog breeding, including health, genetics, and responsible breeding practices.
10. Community Engagement:
Members shall actively engage with the community, promoting responsible dog ownership, and educating the public about the importance of ethical breeding.
11. Accountability and Enforcement:
ICAW shall enforce this Code of Ethics and may take appropriate action, including but not limited to suspension or revocation of membership, in cases of non-compliance. Members of the Indiana Council for Animal Welfare are dedicated to adhering to the principles outlined in this Code of Ethics, with the goal of ensuring the well-being and happiness of dogs and maintaining the highest standards of ethical breeding practices. New members shall be pending members until evaluated.
All members shall have an annual on-site kennel evaluation.
Revised: 12/12/23