Internal – Breeder Operations
Stokeshire Breeder Welfare Standards & Operations Manual
This master page summarizes Stokeshire’s internal standards for canine care and breeding. It is designed to align with:
- Purdue University’s Canine Care Certified™ (CCC) Five Pillars of Care
- Wisconsin dog seller & dog facility operator rules (ATCP 16)
- USDA / APHIS Animal Welfare Act guidance for housing, care, and transport
Breeding Life Policy
Objective:
Protect the long-term health, welfare, and genetic diversity of every Stokeshire breeding dog while complying with CCC expectations for breeding life and retirement and Wisconsin licensing rules.
1.1 Breeding Eligibility
- Minimum age for breeding dams and sires is set by the attending veterinarian and recorded in each dog’s medical file.
- All breeding dogs must:
- Pass a complete pre-breeding veterinary exam.
- Have required genetic screening and orthopedic evaluations recorded and cleared or appropriately managed.
- Meet Stokeshire temperament standards (steady, people-oriented, safe around other dogs).
1.2 Litter Limits & Rest Cycles
- Each dam has a documented maximum number of litters in her lifetime (e.g., 4–6, depending on size, health, and vet guidance).
- Required rest cycles between litters (e.g., no back-to-back breedings without documented veterinary approval).
- Breeding decisions must consider individual health, recovery, and behavior—not only heat timing.
1.3 Genetic Diversity & COI
- Stokeshire tracks Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) for planned litters and sets internal COI targets appropriate for the breed mix.
- High-risk pairings (close relatives or excessive COI) are avoided or require a written justification and veterinarian sign-off.
1.4 Recordkeeping
- Breeding dates, whelping dates, litter sizes, puppy outcomes, and complications are recorded for every litter (required under Wisconsin law).
- Each breeding dog maintains a “Breeding Summary Sheet” that is updated after every litter.
Retirement Policy
CCC emphasizes ethical breeding life and thoughtful retirement; Stokeshire commits to lifetime responsibility for each breeding dog.
2.1 Retirement Criteria
- Retirement may be triggered by:
- Reaching the maximum age or litter count set by vet guidelines.
- Emerging health concerns where further breeding is not in the dog’s best interest.
- Behavioral changes that reduce suitability for breeding or whelping.
2.2 Placement & Ownership
- Retired dogs are:
- Placed with pre-approved forever families (often guardian homes), or
- Remain with the Stokeshire family if that is in the dog’s best interest.
- Ownership transfer, sterilization, and post-retirement health expectations are documented in a signed retirement agreement.
- Stokeshire does not sell adult dogs into research or unspecified third-party uses.
2.3 Follow-up
- Post-retirement check-ins (e.g., 1 month, 6 months, 12 months) are scheduled to ensure the dog has transitioned well.
- Any significant health issues identified after retirement may inform future breeding decisions and health tracking for related dogs.
Physical Health Protocol
CCC – Physical Health
Wisconsin – Vet Care & Records
USDA – AWA Care Standards
3.1 Preventive Care
- Written vaccination schedule for adults and puppies, signed by the attending veterinarian.
- Parasite control protocol (internal & external), including product names, dosages, and frequency.
- Weight and body condition scores monitored and recorded at each wellness exam.
3.2 Veterinary Exams
- Annual comprehensive exams for all adult dogs; more frequent exams for seniors or dogs with known conditions.
- Pre-breeding and post-whelping checks for dams.
- Puppy health checks prior to placement, including any required health certificates for interstate travel.
3.3 Dental, Grooming & Nutrition
- Routine grooming and coat care appropriate to breed mix (brushing, trimming, bathing schedule).
- Dental care plan (chews, brushing, and vet dental evaluation as needed).
- Nutrition protocols with preferred diets and feeding guidelines, including transition instructions for new owners.
3.4 Health Records
- Each dog has an individual medical file including vaccinations, deworming, lab results, diagnoses, treatments, and surgeries.
- Records are retained for the minimum time required by law and for as long as they remain relevant to breeding decisions.
Behavioral Wellness Plan
CCC requires a behavioral wellness plan with meaningful enrichment, exercise, and low-stress handling for adults and puppies.
4.1 Puppy Curriculum
- Week-by-week socialization and enrichment schedule from birth through go-home or Doodle School graduation.
- Exposure to age-appropriate sounds, novel surfaces, handling, and gentle challenges.
- Short, positive early training sessions (name response, recall foundations, crate introductions, potty routines).
4.2 Adult Dog Enrichment
- Daily exercise and play appropriate to size, breed mix, and temperament.
- Rotation of enrichment activities: puzzle feeders, sniff games, structured walks, training games.
- Written exercise plan approved by the attending veterinarian for dogs under USDA jurisdiction.
4.3 Handling & Stress Reduction
- Staff follow low-stress handling guidelines for routine care, grooming, and vet visits.
- Quiet retreat spaces available for dogs who need a break from stimulation.
- Behavior concerns are documented and, when needed, referred to the attending vet or a qualified trainer/behavior professional.
4.4 Behavior Tracking
- Behavior notes logged for each dog (confidence, sociability, sound sensitivity, reactivity, etc.).
- Behavioral data used to:
- Inform pairing decisions and breeding plans.
- Match puppies to appropriate families and roles (family companion, therapy prospects, etc.).
Facility Environment SOP
Wisconsin ATCP 16 and USDA standards require safe, clean, appropriately sized enclosures, access to exercise, and suitable environmental conditions. CCC adds requirements for enriched environments and outdoor access where possible.
5.1 Housing & Space
- Primary enclosures provide enough space for each dog to stand, turn, lie comfortably, and move around normally.
- Space calculations follow or exceed current Wisconsin and USDA minimums for size and exercise access.
- Stacked cages, if used, meet clearance, drainage, and solid-flooring requirements.
5.2 Surfaces, Light & Air
- Multiple flooring surfaces are used (where appropriate) to support joint health and comfort.
- Indoor areas have sufficient natural or artificial light for regular operations and animal welfare.
- Ventilation is adequate to control odor, humidity, and temperature; heating and cooling plans are documented.
5.3 Cleaning & Sanitation
- Daily removal of waste from enclosures and yards.
- Regular cleaning and disinfection schedule for floors, kennels, bowls, and tools using vet-approved products.
- Written protocol for handling organic material and preventing chemical residue exposure to dogs and people.
5.4 Exercise Areas
- Designated play and exercise spaces sized to allow running, exploration, and social play as appropriate.
- Exercise time meets or exceeds Wisconsin expectations for daily exercise for housed dogs.
Emergency Plan
Written emergency plans are expected under both state rules and best-practice welfare standards.
6.1 Medical Emergencies
- Primary veterinarian and 24/7 emergency clinic contact details posted in all animal care areas.
- Staff trained to recognize urgent conditions (bloat, seizures, dystocia, heat stroke, severe diarrhea/vomiting, respiratory distress).
- Emergency transport protocol: which vehicle, who drives, what supplies accompany the dog.
6.2 Facility Emergencies
- Plan for fire, tornado, flooding, extended power outages, and hazardous material incidents.
- Evacuation routes, crate assignments, and staging areas are documented and practiced as drills.
- Back-up heating, cooling, and water access plans where feasible.
6.3 Communication
- Internal call tree or messaging protocol for emergencies.
- Owner communication plan for significant events affecting current litters or boarded dogs.
Biosecurity Policy
Biosecurity protects puppies, adults, visitors, and staff from preventable disease spread.
7.1 Visitor Management
- Scheduled visits only; no drop-in traffic in whelping or nursery areas.
- Visitor screening questions (recent illness in pets, shelter visits, dog park exposure, etc.).
- Hand-washing or sanitizing required on entry and before handling puppies.
7.2 Traffic Flow & Zoning
- Separate zones for:
- Newly arrived dogs or dogs returning from outside environments.
- Pregnant dams and whelping/nursery areas.
- Healthy adult population.
- Staff follow a “clean to less-clean” sequence when moving between zones to reduce cross-contamination.
7.3 Isolation Protocols
- Written criteria for isolating dogs with concerning signs (cough, diarrhea, fever, unexplained lethargy).
- Isolation area has its own cleaning tools, bowls, and linens when feasible.
- Veterinarian consulted promptly; treatment and monitoring documented.
Documentation & Logs
Strong documentation is required by Wisconsin dog facility regulations and is central to CCC audit readiness.
8.1 Required Logs
- Dog/puppy records – identity, origin, vaccination and deworming history, health exams, treatments.
- Breeding records – pairings, breeding dates, whelp dates, litter sizes, puppy outcomes.
- Cleaning & sanitation logs – date, area cleaned, product used, responsible staff.
- Enrichment & socialization logs – daily or weekly summary per litter/dog.
- Medication & treatment logs – medication, dosage, route, duration, prescribing vet.
- Training & behavior notes – key observations relevant to placement and breeding.
8.2 Storage & Retention
- Records may be kept digitally or on paper; storage must be secure and backed up.
- Retention timelines comply with Wisconsin requirements and internal quality standards.
Staff Training Manual
CCC emphasizes caretaker expectations, including continuing education and low-stress handling.
9.1 Orientation
- New staff and contractors receive:
- An overview of Stokeshire’s mission and welfare philosophy.
- A tour of the facility, zones, and emergency exits.
- Review of this operations manual and any role-specific SOPs.
9.2 Core Training Modules
- Low-stress dog handling and safety.
- Cleaning & sanitation procedures.
- Biosecurity and visitor protocols.
- Puppy curriculum and early training essentials.
- Recognizing health concerns and when to escalate to the breeder or vet.
- Stokeshire communication tone with clients (warm, honest, education-forward).
9.3 Continuing Education & Review
- Annual refresher training required for all staff handling dogs.
- Updates shared when regulations, CCC standards, or internal policies change.
- Training completion and competency checks documented in employee files.
Guardian Home Policy
Guardian homes are key to maintaining high quality of life for breeding dogs while still allowing responsible, ethical breeding.
10.1 Guardian Selection
- Guardian families are screened for lifestyle, experience, and alignment with Stokeshire’s welfare standards.
- Clear expectations communicated around housing, exercise, grooming, and veterinary care.
10.2 Responsibilities & Costs
- Agreement defines:
- Who pays for routine veterinary care.
- What Stokeshire covers (breeding-related costs, certain tests, etc.).
- Scheduling and logistics when the dog is needed for breeding or whelping.
10.3 Breeding & Retirement Terms
- Number of litters or years involved in the guardian contract is defined.
- Ownership transfer and retirement timing clearly outlined.
- Procedures for early termination if the placement is not working for the dog or family.
Transport Policy
Transport must follow USDA/Animal Welfare Act requirements when applicable and always prioritize safety and welfare.
11.1 Ground Transport
- Crates sized so puppies can stand, turn, and lie comfortably.
- Safe temperature range maintained inside the vehicle; no unattended animals in extreme conditions.
- Regular stops for visual checks, water as appropriate, and clean-up if needed.
11.2 Air Travel & Flight Nannies
- Compliance with airline policies for pet travel.
- Health certificates prepared when required by destination state or airline.
- Clear written expectations for contracted flight nannies regarding care, communication, and hand-off procedures.
11.3 Documentation
- Transport itineraries, carrier info, and receiving family details documented for each transported puppy.
- Any transport incidents or delays recorded and reviewed to improve future planning.
Health Guarantee
The Stokeshire health guarantee is both a legal document and an education tool, reflecting current research and best practices.
12.1 Scope of Guarantee
- Coverage for serious, documented congenital or inherited conditions within a defined time frame.
- Clear list of conditions and scenarios that are excluded (injury, preventable environmental issues, etc.).
12.2 Owner Responsibilities
- Timely veterinary care and follow-up when concerns arise.
- Reasonable nutrition, exercise, and housing that aligns with Stokeshire’s recommendations.
- Compliance with any required veterinary documentation for claims.
12.3 Spay/Neuter & Development
- Balanced guidance on spay/neuter timing, referencing current evidence on orthopedic and cancer risks and benefits.
- Expectation that owners discuss timing with their veterinarian, taking into account breed, sex, size, and lifestyle.
12.4 Remedies
- Remedies may include partial refunds, future puppy credits, or other solutions as defined in the written contract.
- Process for submitting documentation and timelines for breeder response clearly explained.