How Our 3-Tier Verification Works
In an era where online puppy scams are at an all-time high, 'taking a breeder's word for it' isn't enough. At The Trusted Kennels, we believe transparency is the only way to protect families and dogs alike.
We developed the Trust Scale—a manual auditing process designed to verify that a breeder is real, their health claims are documented, and their dogs actually exist. Every breeder in our registry is assigned a Tier based on the level of evidence they have provided.
Tier 1: Web Verified
The "Anti-Scam" Baseline Before a breeder is even listed, we conduct a digital forensic audit. We aren't just looking at a pretty website; we are verifying the person behind it.
Identity & Location: We verify the breeder’s physical location and contact information to ensure they are a legitimate operation.
Digital Safety: We audit their website and social media presence to ensure they are not linking to known scam networks or using stolen content.
Active Communication: We confirm that their contact channels are open, responsive, and belong to a real person.
Tier 2: Health Verified
Beyond the Claims Many breeders claim to do health testing, but Tier 2 proves it. We don't just ask them to tell us the results—we physically cross-reference their data.
Live Link Verification: To reach Tier 2, a breeder must provide direct, live links to their OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or Embark results.
Data Cross-Referencing: We visit these third-party databases to confirm that the dogs listed on their site match the official health records. If they don't have a live link to prove the test exists, they don't reach Tier 2.
Tier 3: Human Verified
The Gold Standard This is the highest level of accountability in the industry. Tier 3 means a member of our team has "laid eyes" on the program via a Live Video Call or In-Person Inspection.
Live Visual Proof: We conduct a live walkthrough where the breeder must show the parent dogs (Mom and Dad) and the puppies in real-time. This ensures no "stock photos" or "stolen videos" are being used.
Facility Inspection: We verify the living conditions. Whether they are "Under Foot" home breeders or have a large-scale kennel facility, we verify that the environment matches their claims.
The Verification Checklist: We go through a rigorous checklist to confirm the dogs are socialized, the premises are as described, and the breeder is who they say they are.