Before you fall in love with those puppy dog eyes, it’s worth asking a deeper question: Where did this puppy’s story begin? Behind every healthy, happy companion is a breeder who prioritizes welfare over convenience. Canine Care Certification (CCC) helps make that visible.
At Happiness Is Pets, we believe that responsible breeding is where real happiness begins. CCC breeders meet rigorous, university-backed standards that ensure every puppy (and their parents!) are raised with science-based care, compassion, and integrity. Here’s why that certification matters, and how it helps you choose your new best friend with confidence.
What Is Canine Care Certified?
Canine Care Certified is a voluntary, research-based program developed by the Center for Animal Welfare Science at Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. It’s the only national certification that evaluates dog breeders using independently verified welfare standards grounded in science and veterinary ethics.
This is far more than a simple label. To become certified, breeders must undergo a third-party, on-site audit and meet strict criteria that cover every aspect of animal care, including:
- Physical and emotional health
- Enrichment and environment
- Breeding life and retirement
- Daily caretaker practices
Certification isn’t permanent; breeders must be reviewed and recertified annually, ensuring their facilities consistently meet or exceed best-practice standards for humane care.
Why Canine Care Certification Matters
When a puppy is raised by a CCC breeder, their first experiences are shaped by structure, compassion, and expert oversight. These breeders go beyond basic compliance. They prioritize every dog’s wellbeing, providing clean environments, consistent veterinary care, and healthy socialization.
This careful start helps puppies grow into well-adjusted, confident companions. It also safeguards the health and welfare of parent dogs, who are given responsible breeding schedules, enrichment opportunities, and retirement plans into loving homes.
For families, choosing a puppy from a CCC breeder means transparency and peace of mind. You’re supporting a system that values ethics, education, and lifelong wellbeing, not shortcuts or uncertainty.
Our Commitment to Responsible Beginnings
At Happiness Is Pets, we’ve spent decades connecting families with happy, healthy puppies, and that begins with trust. That’s why we partner with breeders who share our dedication to responsible breeding and hold Canine Care Certification whenever possible.
Every puppy in our care receives comprehensive veterinary checks, socialization, and expert attention before meeting their forever family. From the moment you step into our store to the day you bring your new best friend home, we’re here to ensure your experience, and your puppy’s start, is nothing short of exceptional.
When you choose Happiness Is Pets, you’re not just getting a puppy. You’re gaining a healthy, happy companion whose story began with care, compassion, and science-backed standards you can trust.
