How Much Money Does a Breeder Make?
The income a breeder earns can vary dramatically depending on several factors, including the type of breeder, the animals involved, and the level of professionalism. Particularly, backyard breeders, who are typically unlicensed and untrained individuals, often breed animals with the primary intent of making money. However, the financial gains are generally modest and come with numerous ethical and practical consequences.
Understanding Backyard Breeding
Backyard breeding is defined as the practice of breeding animals, often in poor and inadequate conditions, by individuals who lack the proper knowledge, experience, or credentials. Unlike responsible breeders who focus on improving animal health and meeting breed standards, backyard breeders prioritize profit over animal welfare.
Reasons for Backyard Breeding
The motivations that drive individuals to become backyard breeders include:
- Making quick money from pet sales
- Disposing of unplanned litters due to not desexing pets
- Misguided beliefs about breeding being beneficial for pets or children
- Producing animals for inappropriate purposes, like dog fighting
These motivations often lead to unethical and unsafe breeding conditions for animals.
Financial Aspects
It's a misconception that breeding animals is a lucrative endeavor. Backyard breeders do not invest in key components of ethical breeding like genetic screening, veterinary care, or proper socialization. As a result, while they may sell animals at relatively low prices—for example, $200–$800 per puppy or kitten—expenses such as food, shelter, and basic care often erode profits. Additionally, ill or unsocialized animals can be harder to sell, leading to unsold litters and financial loss.
Hidden Costs and Ethical Risks
Backyard breeders usually ignore or are unaware of long-term costs associated with breeding. These include:
- Veterinary bills due to poor animal health
- Legal consequences if animal welfare laws are violated
- Potential abandonment of unsold or sick animals
Such risks mean that many backyard breeders lose money rather than earn it consistently.
The Impact on Animals and Society
Animals bred under such practices commonly suffer from:
- Health problems: like parvovirus, genetic defects, or parasite infestations
- Behavioral issues: due to a lack of early socialization
- Neglect or abandonment: when animals can’t be sold
These factors contribute to overcrowded shelters and perpetuate animal suffering and overpopulation.
Signs of a Backyard Breeder
Prospective pet owners should be cautious of breeders who:
- Have unsanitary or overcrowded facilities
- Are unwilling to show the animals’ living conditions
- Do not provide health records or proof of lineage
- Use aggressive or evasive sales tactics
- Always seem to have litters available
These are red flags indicating a likely backyard breeder.
How Responsible Breeders Differ
Ethical breeders adhere to strict guidelines. They:
- Test for hereditary diseases
- Provide proper socialization and veterinary care
- Screen potential buyers thoroughly
- Offer contracts and lifetime return policies
- Are members of recognized breed clubs
Because they invest significantly in animal health and welfare, responsible breeders sometimes charge higher prices, but offer far better outcomes for both animals and owners.
Alternatives to Buying from Breeders
Instead of buying from unregulated breeders, pet seekers should consider:
- Adopting from shelters: helping reduce animal overpopulation
- Using breed-specific rescue organizations: that rehome animals responsibly
These options support animal welfare and reduce demand for irresponsibly bred animals.
Conclusion
Although breeding might seem like an easy way to make money, especially for backyard breeders, the reality is complex and often unprofitable. The lack of necessary investment in animal well-being, coupled with legal and ethical concerns, results in both financial instability for the breeder and significant suffering for the animals. Education, responsible pet ownership, and ethical breeding practices are essential to creating a better future for companion animals.
