Sick Puppies for Sale in Nova Scotia?
Some dog breeders in Nova Scotia advertise "high quality" puppies — but without genetic testing, what do those words actually mean?
Hereditary diseases in dogs are genetic disorders passed from parent to offspring that can affect various bodily functions, including the immune system, joints, eyes, or heart. Nova Scotia has no legal requirement for dog breeders to conduct genetic testing on parent dogs before breeding them. This gap in regulation means that hereditary diseases can be passed down unknowingly, leading to health issues in puppies that may not become apparent until months or years after they are sold.
For some families, this lack of oversight leads to heartbreaking consequences.
Winnie’s Story
A family from Sydney, Nova Scotia recently shared the story of their beloved dog, Winnie, who was diagnosed with renal dysplasia, a hereditary condition affecting kidney development. She was diagnosed at just six months old and fought the disease with treatment and medication until she passed away at only two years of age. Her family states that she was purchased from a dog breeder in Nova Scotia and that her condition was believed to be genetic. Winnie’s family is sharing their experience to bring awareness to the role of genetic testing in responsible breeding and to encourage potential dog owners to research breeders thoroughly before purchasing a puppy.
Misleading Marketing: “Highest Quality Dogs in Nova Scotia”
A healthy appearance in a puppy does not guarantee long-term health, as many hereditary conditions do not show symptoms until later in life.
Without genetic screening, breeders cannot reliably determine whether their dogs carry inherited diseases such as:
Hip dysplasia – Can cause joint pain and mobility issues.
Heart disease – May shorten a dog’s lifespan.
Neurological disorders – Can lead to seizures or mobility problems.
Kidney diseases – Conditions like renal dysplasia can severely impact quality of life.
Prospective dog owners should ask for proof of health testing before purchasing a puppy.
“If we don’t select for healthy parents to produce offspring, then we have no expectation of health in those offspring,” Dr. Bell said. “Not selecting for health is selecting for disease, and we need to understand that and pass that on to our breeder clients.”
The Limits of a “Veterinarian’s Certificate of Health”
Many breeders in Nova Scotia provide a veterinarian’s certificate of health when selling a puppy. While this may sound reassuring, it is important to understand its limitations:
It is a visual check-up on a single day – A veterinarian examines the puppy at that moment in time, checking for obvious signs of illness such as infections, parasites, or physical abnormalities. This does not include genetic screening or tests for underlying hereditary conditions.
It does not predict future health – Many hereditary diseases (like hip dysplasia or renal dysplasia) do not show symptoms in young puppies, so a vet’s certificate does not rule out long-term health issues.
It does not assess the health of the parents – If the parent dogs carry a genetic condition, it may not be visible in the puppy at the time of the vet check, but it could manifest later.
It is not a guarantee – While a veterinarian’s certificate of health confirms the puppy appeared healthy on the day of the check-up, it does not mean the puppy will remain healthy in the weeks, months, or years ahead.
Because of these limitations, a veterinarian’s certificate of health should not be used as proof that a puppy is free from hereditary conditions. The only way to verify a puppy's long-term health potential is through genetic health testing of the breeding parents.
Lack of Regulation and Its Impact
Currently, Nova Scotia has no mandatory requirements for genetic testing in dog breeding. This lack of oversight allows breeders to sell puppies without confirming whether they carry hereditary conditions, which may lead to unexpected health problems for new owners.
To improve breeding practices, stronger regulations could include:
Mandatory genetic testing for all breeding dogs to help prevent hereditary diseases.
Better oversight and licensing to identify and regulate unethical breeders.
How to Protect Yourself as a Buyer
Until regulations improve, buyers should take proactive steps to ensure they are purchasing from a responsible breeder:
Request proof of genetic testing – Ethical breeders will provide documentation of health screenings.
Visit the breeder’s facility – Meeting the parent dogs and seeing the conditions firsthand can help assess breeding practices.
Look for reviews and references – Research feedback from past buyers.
Be cautious of marketing language – Phrases like "highest quality" or "top-tier" should be backed by tangible health guarantees.
Consider adoption – Many dogs in shelters need homes (like my sweet girl, Harper, who inspired this website!), and adoption can be an alternative to purchasing from a breeder.
The absence of mandatory genetic testing in Nova Scotia leaves buyers responsible for ensuring they choose an ethical breeder. Stories like Winnie’s highlight the importance of due diligence when selecting a breeder and the potential consequences of purchasing a puppy without verified health testing.
How You Can Help
By signing this petition, you can help pressure the Nova Scotia Government to enact laws regulating dog breeding. This will put an end to puppy mill operations, ensure genetic testing is enforced, and protect the vulnerable dogs used at breeding facilities. Every vote counts!