Breeder Verification
How our breeder verification process works and what each tier means.
Why Verification Matters
Breeder verification is at the heart of The Puppy Wag's mission to connect families with responsible, ethical breeders. It provides transparency, accountability, and peace of mind for buyers.
Trust
Verification helps buyers trust that breeders are who they say they are and operate legally and ethically. It reduces the risk of scams and unethical breeding practices.
Transparency
By requiring documentation, we ensure breeders are transparent about their identity, licensing, and facilities. This openness builds confidence in the breeding community.
Buyer Confidence
Buyers can browse with confidence knowing that verified breeders have been vetted. Verified badges make it easy to identify trusted breeders at a glance.
Breeder Reputation
For breeders, verification is a badge of honor. It distinguishes you from unverified sellers and signals your commitment to responsible breeding practices.
Verification Tiers
The Puppy Wag offers three verification tiers, each with increasing levels of trust and benefits.
Unverified
Default tier. All new breeders start here. You can create a profile and list puppies, but you won't have a verification badge. Unverified profiles receive lower visibility in search results.
Verified
Requirements: Government-issued ID + Kennel License or USDA License approved.
Badge: Receives a "Verified" badge on profile and listings.
Benefits: Higher search ranking, increased visibility, and buyer trust. Verified breeders are highlighted in search results and filters.
Premium
Requirements: All 5 document types approved (Government ID, Kennel License, USDA License, Veterinarian Reference, Facility Photos).
Badge: Receives a "Premium" badge on profile and listings.
Benefits: Priority placement in search results, featured listings on the homepage, access to premium analytics, and enhanced profile customization. Premium breeders are the most trusted on the platform.
Required Documents
To achieve verification, breeders must upload specific documents. Here's what we require for each tier.
Government ID (Required for All Tiers)
A valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID). This verifies your identity and ensures accountability. IDs are kept secure and are not publicly displayed.
Kennel License (Required for Verified+)
A valid kennel license issued by your state or local government. Requirements vary by state, but most require breeders to register if they sell a certain number of puppies per year. This demonstrates you operate legally.
USDA License (Alternative to Kennel License)
If you sell puppies across state lines or breed more than a certain number of dogs, you may need a USDA license. This can be submitted instead of or in addition to a kennel license.
Veterinarian Reference (Required for Premium)
A signed letter from your veterinarian confirming they work with you and that your dogs receive regular care. This verifies you prioritize health and veterinary oversight.
Facility Photos (Required for Premium)
Clear photos of your breeding facilities, including whelping areas, play spaces, and where adult dogs are housed. This shows transparency about your operation and demonstrates clean, humane conditions.
The Review Process
Upload via Dashboard
Log into your breeder dashboard and navigate to the Verification section. Upload each document type (PDF, JPG, or PNG formats accepted). Ensure documents are clear, legible, and up-to-date.
Admin Review Within 48 Hours
Our verification team reviews submissions within 48 hours. We check for authenticity, validity, and completeness. If additional information is needed, we'll reach out.
Notification of Approval/Rejection
You'll receive an email notification once your documents are reviewed. If approved, your badge will appear immediately on your profile. If rejected, we'll explain why and give you an opportunity to resubmit.
Benefits by Tier
| Feature | Unverified | Verified | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Create Profile & List Puppies | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verification Badge | — | ✓ | ✓ (Premium) |
| Higher Search Ranking | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Priority Placement | — | — | ✓ |
| Featured Listings | — | — | ✓ |
| Premium Analytics | — | — | ✓ |
| Enhanced Profile Customization | — | — | ✓ |
FAQ
How long does verification take?
Most verifications are completed within 48 hours of submission. If we need additional information, it may take slightly longer.
Is verification required to list puppies?
No, verification is optional. However, verified breeders receive significantly more visibility and buyer trust, making it highly recommended.
What if I don't have a kennel license?
Requirements vary by state. Some states don't require licenses for small-scale breeders. Contact us if you're unsure—we can help determine what applies to your situation.
Can I upgrade from Verified to Premium later?
Absolutely! You can upload additional documents at any time to upgrade your tier. Just head to your dashboard and submit the required documents.
Are my documents kept secure?
Yes. All documents are stored securely and are only accessible to our verification team. Your personal information is never publicly displayed.
What happens if my document expires?
We'll notify you before your license or ID expires and ask you to upload an updated version. If you don't update, your verification status may be downgraded.