How to Use the BreederHQ Marketplace
The BreederHQ Marketplace connects you with responsible breeders and animal service providers. Whether you are looking for a new companion, a breeding prospect, or professional animal services, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Getting started
You do not need an account to start exploring the marketplace. Browse breeder profiles, view listings, and get a feel for what is available before committing to anything.
What you can do without an account
- • Browse all breeder profiles and listings
- • Search and filter by species, breed, location, and more
- • View breeder verification badges and health testing records
- • Read breeder descriptions and program details
What you get with a free account
- • Save favorite breeders and listings for quick access later
- • Message breeders directly through the platform
- • Join waitlists for upcoming litters or available animals
- • Access your buyer portal for payments, contracts, and updates
Creating an account takes less than a minute. You just need an email address.
Searching and filtering
The marketplace has powerful search tools to help you find exactly what you are looking for.
Search by
- • Species: Dogs, cats, horses, goats, rabbits, or sheep
- • Breed: Search for a specific breed or browse all breeds within a species
- • Location: Find breeders near you or search a specific area
- • Listing type: Stud services, guardian homes, trained animals, rehomes, co-ownership, and more
Filter by
- • Verification level: Verified identity, health testing documented, and other trust indicators
- • Badges: Quick Responder, Health Tested, and other earned badges
- • Availability status: Accepting inquiries, waitlist open, or animals currently available
Tip: Start broad and narrow down. Searching by species and location first gives you a good overview of what is available in your area.
Understanding listings
What you see on a breeder profile
Every breeder profile on the marketplace includes key information to help you evaluate them at a glance.
- • Verification badges: Trust indicators that show the breeder has met specific criteria
- • Health testing status: Whether the breeder documents health screening for their breeding animals
- • Breeding history: How long they have been breeding and their program details
- • Response time: How quickly they typically reply to messages
Listing types explained
Stud Services
A male animal available for breeding with your female. Includes terms, fees, and health testing information.
Guardian Home
You raise the animal in your home full-time, but the breeder retains breeding rights for a set period.
Trained
Animals that have received professional training or have specific working titles and certifications.
Rehome
An adult animal looking for a new home. Often retired breeding animals or returns that need placement.
Co-Ownership
Shared ownership between you and the breeder. Common for show prospects where both parties benefit.
Offspring / Litter
Available or upcoming offspring from a planned breeding. May include waitlist options.
Contacting a breeder
Once you find a breeder you are interested in, you can message them directly through the platform. All communication stays in one place so nothing gets lost.
What to include in your first message
- • Introduce yourself and your household (who lives there, other pets, living situation)
- • Explain what you are looking for (pet, show prospect, working animal, breeding stock)
- • Share your experience level with the breed or species
- • Ask about availability, timeline, and next steps
- • Be genuine and patient. Good breeders want to know about you, not just sell to you.
About the Quick Responder badge
Breeders with the Quick Responder badge typically reply to messages within 4 hours. If speed matters to you, look for this badge when browsing profiles. Keep in mind that even responsive breeders may take longer during busy breeding seasons.
Joining a waitlist
Responsible breeders often have more demand than supply. Waitlists are common and are actually a good sign.
How waitlists work
- • You request to join a waitlist through the breeder's profile or a specific listing
- • The breeder reviews your application and may ask additional questions
- • If accepted, you may need to place a deposit to hold your position
- • Your waitlist position is visible in your buyer portal so you always know where you stand
Deposit expectations
Most breeders require a deposit to join a waitlist, typically 10-25% of the total price. Deposit policies vary by breeder. Some are fully refundable, some are transferable to a future litter, and some are non-refundable. Always confirm the deposit terms before paying.
Your buyer portal
Once you begin working with a breeder on the platform, you get access to a dedicated buyer portal. This is your central hub for everything related to your purchase.
Payment Tracking
See your balance, payment history, and upcoming payments all in one place.
Contracts
Review, sign, and store contracts digitally. No paper shuffling.
Messaging
All your conversations with the breeder in one thread.
Photo Updates
Breeders can share photos and updates as your animal grows.
Documents
Health records, registration papers, and other important files stored securely.
Waitlist Status
Track your position and get notified when it is your turn.
Learn more: Visit our buyer education hub for a full overview of the buyer portal experience.
Finding services
The marketplace is not just for finding breeders. It also connects you with professional animal service providers in your area.
Available service categories
Search by service type and location to find providers near you. Service providers have their own profiles with descriptions, pricing information, and service areas.
Ready to start browsing?
The BreederHQ Marketplace is free for buyers. Browse breeder profiles, explore listings, and find the right match for your family.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an account to browse the marketplace?
No. You can browse breeder profiles, listings, and services without creating an account. You only need a free account to save favorites, message breeders, or join waitlists.
Is there a fee for buyers?
No. Creating a buyer account and using the marketplace is completely free. Only breeders and service providers pay listing fees.
How do I know if a breeder is trustworthy?
Look for verification badges on their profile. Breeders with the Verified Identity badge have confirmed their identity. Health Testing badges mean they document health screening for their animals. Check their response time, reviews, and how long they have been on the platform.
What if a breeder does not respond to my message?
Some breeders receive many inquiries and may take a few days to respond. If you do not hear back within a week, try reaching out again or look for breeders with the Quick Responder badge, which means they typically reply within 4 hours.
Can I search for breeders near me?
Yes. You can filter search results by location to find breeders in your area. Many breeders also offer shipping or transport arrangements for buyers who are further away.