Ethical Breeding at Petland Iowa City: Going Beyond Standards

February 25, 2025

At Petland Iowa City, we believe that every puppy deserves the best start in life. That’s why we partner exclusively with breeders who meet and exceed the highest standards of care and ethics. While USDA licensing is a baseline requirement for breeders, we take it a step further by working with those who are Canine Care Certified™, ensuring the utmost commitment to the health, well-being, and happiness of every dog.

What Is Canine Care Certification?

The Canine Care Certified™ program, developed by Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, sets a new gold standard in canine welfare. Created by Dr. Candace Croney in 2013, the program is based on extensive research and collaboration with animal science experts. It focuses on five key areas of canine welfare:

• Nutrition: Ensuring dogs receive balanced, high-quality diets.
• Veterinary Care: Comprehensive health plans, including preventative care, genetic screening, dental care, and grooming.
• Housing: Safe, enriched environments with access to outdoor spaces.
• Handling: Gentle, humane handling practices that prioritize the dogs’ comfort.
• Exercise and Enrichment: Opportunities for socialization, play, and mental stimulation.

Unlike USDA standards, which focus primarily on compliance and enforcement, Canine Care Certification emphasizes continuous improvement and scientific best practices to promote the physical and behavioral health of dogs.

Our Commitment to Ethical Breeding

At Petland Iowa City, we work exclusively with breeders who are committed to these rigorous standards. Here’s how our breeders stand out:

• Veterinarian-Led Health Plans: All breeders implement comprehensive health plans designed by veterinarians, covering everything from vaccinations to regular grooming and dental care.
• Behavioral Wellness: Beyond physical health, our breeders prioritize behavioral wellness through socialization, exercise, and enrichment activities that keep dogs happy and confident.
• Transparency and Education: Breeders engage in ongoing education to stay updated on the latest in canine care and maintain full transparency in their practices.
• Retirement with Dignity: Adult dogs are never sold for research. Once they retire from breeding, they are placed in loving homes to enjoy their golden years.

Why It Matters

Choosing a puppy from Petland Iowa City means you’re supporting ethical breeding practices that prioritize the well-being of dogs over profit. Puppies raised under Canine Care Certified™ standards are healthier, happier, and better prepared to transition into their forever homes. This commitment ensures that every puppy you meet at our store has been raised with love, care, and the highest ethical standards.

Learn More

We invite you to explore our High-Quality Breeders page to learn more about the rigorous standards we uphold and the breeders we partner with. Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of dogs and the families who welcome them home.

Why Petland Iowa City?

At Petland Iowa City, we’re more than a pet store—we’re a community of animal lovers dedicated to connecting families with their perfect companions. By choosing us, you’re not just bringing home a puppy; you’re supporting a mission of ethical breeding, responsible pet ownership, and lifelong care.

Ready to meet your perfect puppy? Visit us at Petland Iowa City or give us a call at (319) 512-7949 to schedule a visit today!

References and Learn More

• Canine Care Certified™ Program by Purdue University
• USDA Licensing Standards for Breeders
• Petland Iowa City High-Quality Breeders
• Petland Iowa City Breeder Videos