Puppy Applications 101: Best Practices for Breeders
Introduction
For responsible dog breeders, finding good homes for puppies is an essential part of creating an ethical and sustainable breeding program. One way that many dog breeders screen potential pet parents (customers) is by using a puppy application. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of using a puppy application as a screening tool.
What is a Puppy Application?
A puppy application is a useful tool for dog breeders to screen potential customers for a number of reasons.
Here are a few reasons why a dog breeder might use a puppy application:
Using a puppy application can be a helpful tool for dog breeders to screen potential customers and assess their suitability. It can also help the dog breeder to keep track of potential customers and contact them when puppies become available.
In today’s digital age, most puppy applications are presented to potential customers as an online form.
💡 Continue reading to find a sample puppy application!
Keep in mind that a puppy application is a great screening tool, but should not replace follow-up conversations or interviews with potential customers.
The benefits of a puppy application
One of the main advantages of a puppy application is that it allows the breeder to get to know potential customers quickly. The application can include questions about the potential customer's living situation, lifestyle, and experience with dogs, which can help the breeder assess whether they are a good match for a specific puppy.
For customers, a puppy application is a low-lift method of providing a breeder with more information about the type of puppy they hope to find, without the pressure of a more in-depth, personal conversation or phone interview.
Another benefit of a puppy application is that it can help the breeder avoid spending excessive time interviewing potential customers who may not have suitable homes to offer your puppies. For example, if a potential customer does not have a secure backyard for a puppy to play in, the breeder may decide not to place a puppy with them.
The drawbacks of a puppy application
One potential disadvantage is that a puppy application may deter some potential customers who are unwilling to complete the application. Some people may find the application process to be too time-consuming or invasive, and they may decide to look for a puppy elsewhere. Or, some people may find that completing an application is difficult or inaccessible depending on how to present your application.
We will also touch on something that is not necessarily a drawback but rather something to keep in mind about puppy applications. Unfortunately, sometimes potential customers are dishonest on puppy applications. This is why it is crucial to use a puppy application as a tool and not a foolproof method for deciding whether or not a potential family is suitable for one of your puppies.
Alternative screening methods
For many breeders, the following alternative screening methods are utilized in addition to their puppy application.
One alternative is to conduct in-person interviews with potential customers. This can provide the breeder with an opportunity to ask questions and get to know the potential customer in more detail. In-person interviews can also help the breeder assess the potential customer's demeanor and how they interact with the puppy.
Another alternative screening method is to conduct reference checks. This can involve contacting previous landlords, veterinarians, or other individuals who can provide information about the potential customer's ability to care for a dog. This can be especially helpful for breeders who are unsure about a potential customer's experience with dogs or their ability to provide a suitable home for a puppy.
A third alternative is to conduct home visits. This can involve the breeder visiting the potential customer's home to assess the living situation and whether it is suitable for a puppy. For example, the breeder can check for secure fencing, adequate space for the puppy to play and exercise, and access to fresh water and food.
Breeder Perspectives
We asked our trusted community of breeders to weigh in on the topic of puppy applications.
💖 Here are some reasons breeders like using a puppy application:
“I utilize an application to gather details about an individual's family, lifestyle, location, and previous experiences with pets. However, my final decision on placement is determined through phone conversations and/or face-to-face interactions.”
“I use an application but follow up by having conversations with potential buyers. I like to educate people about training, caring for & grooming needs of the puppies.”
“I mandate applications, but I'm aware people can be untruthful. Hence, I supplement with phone conversations to better gauge suitability. Certain deal-breakers, like refusing crate training, can lead me to dismiss an application without further discussion. In this way, applications can save me time.”
🚩 Here are some things that some breeders identify as red flags when reviewing puppy application submissions:
“Poor communication, evading questions, and a limited understanding of my breed are warning signs that a potential customer might not be a good fit for one of my puppies.”
“A deciding factor on my application is the number of hours the puppy will be left by itself daily.”
“Potential concerns include unfamiliarity with our breed's health issues, no fence or exercise plan, and not all members agreeing on a new puppy. Major red flags are blindly following vet advice and insisting on early spaying/neutering. I gauge their convictions against my deal-breakers.”
👎 Here are some reasons breeders do not like using puppy applications:
“I prefer phone conversations. I don't prepare a set of questions beforehand. I prefer the discussion to flow naturally, allowing me to understand them better as we discuss their way of life and previous experiences with dogs.”
“People can easily tailor their answers on a formal application to try and please me. I prefer direct phone conversations and discussing matters face-to-face.”
“I skip applications, preferring phone calls for references and past purchases. Many are known in my breed. This quickly filters unsuitable buyers. Recently, one tried re-homing a problematic 2-year-old while training an 8-month-old and seeking a backup. With the age gap and aggression, it's a no. An application might've overlooked this.”
💡 Here are some additional screening methods some breeders use:
“I evaluate pet care references. Do they engage in regular check-ups? Do they follow suggested tests and treatments when their pets face health issues? Do they care for their pets throughout their lifespan? Are the pets treated as family members rather than being neglected outdoors? Having spent a decade in the veterinary field, it's typically evident to clinic staff which clients truly cherish their pets.”
“I use a "gated" method to screen candidates. First, they send a personal, well-researched intro email. If it aligns, I send a detailed application and check references. Next, a phone chat assesses rapport and any concerns. If all goes well, they're a good fit for my dogs, and I work to meet their puppy desires.”
Creating a Digital Puppy Application
We have created a sample digital puppy application so that you can get your paws wet in the process!
💡 Click here to learn how to create a digital form using Google Forms.
Below is a sample digital application that we created using Google Forms.
The following application can be a great starting point for new breeders looking to enhance their pet parent screening process.
Conclusion
The use of a puppy application can be a useful tool for dog breeders who want to ensure that their puppies are placed in good homes. A puppy application allows the breeder to get to know potential customers better and assess whether they are a good match for a specific puppy. However, it is important for breeders to be aware of the potential drawbacks of using a puppy application, such as applications being inaccessible for some potential customers, or the possibility for customers to be dishonest on an application.
Alternative screening methods, such as in-person interviews, reference checks, and home visits, can provide valuable information and help the breeder make an informed decision about placing a puppy in a good home. Ultimately, the decision about which screening methods to use is up to the breeder, and it is important for them to use their best judgment when placing puppies in homes.
