Use this 10-item checklist to evaluate breeders. Tap each item to check it off and see your score.
In Japan, anyone selling animals as a business must have Type 1 Animal Handling Business registration. Check if the registration number is clearly shown on their profile or storefront.
Trustworthy breeders have nothing to hide. Check if they welcome visits or actively share photos and videos of their breeding space.
Ask about the parents' health, morphs/breeds, age, and lineage. A trustworthy breeder will be honest about genetic disease risks.
Check if they provide care advice, help with initial health issues, and offer ongoing support after purchase. Breeders who value long-term relationships are more reliable.
A good breeder will explain care requirements, precautions, diet, and feeding schedules thoroughly. How sincerely they answer questions is an important indicator.
Proper temperature control and packaging are essential for shipping live animals. Confirm seasonal heating/cooling measures, the courier service used, and packaging methods.
Check that the conditions for their dead-on-arrival (DOA) guarantee are clearly stated. Be cautious of breeders with vague policies.
Check past buyer reviews, ratings, and transaction count. On BreederDirect, this information is displayed on breeder profiles.
Check if they provide records such as last feeding date, shedding history, vaccination records, or veterinary health certificates.
Watch out for selling animals that are too young, overcrowded breeding conditions, or overly frequent breeding cycles. Choose breeders who prioritize animal welfare.
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Caution advised. Consider looking at other breeders as well.