Fetch the Facts was created to help consumers make informed pet purchasing and adoption decisions through education, research, and transparency. By providing reliable information and practical tools, the goal is to help reduce the number of dogs entering shelters and rescues due to misinformation, unrealistic expectations, or preventable circumstances.
Browse the collection of FREE guides, printables, and checklists designed to help you research breeders, rescues, shelters, pet stores, and financing options before bringing a pet home.
For those who need additional assistance, Fetch the Facts also offers personalized research services for a small fee.
Pre-Purchase Questionnaire
(free download)
Always consider adoption first. But if you are unable to rescue, use these questions to ensure you are supporting ethical sellers.
PA Puppy Checklist
(free download)
Always consider adoption first. But if you are unable to rescue, use this checklist to verify that the seller is responsible.
Step-by-Step Guide
Shelters/Rescues
(free download)
How to verify animal rescues and shelters using the 990 Form
Need help researching?
The goal of this site is to put all of the information in one place and make it free to the public but we know researching a puppy seller, breeder, rescue, or shelter takes time and sorting through public records, inspection reports, and licensing information can be overwhelming. Fetch the Facts offers consumer research services to help make the process easier. Whether you’re looking to support a responsible breeder or want to learn more about a rescue or shelter before adopting, we’re here to help.
Fetch the Facts does not promote or discourage a consumer’s choice to select a specific dog breed, but encourages informed and responsible decisions regardless of where a dog comes from. We believe that supporting responsible breeding practices, ethical rescues, and informed pet ownership can help improve animal welfare and reduce the number of dogs entering shelters over time.
If you are interested in this service please choose from one of the options below:
Puppy Trace Report
This report traces the puppy’s path from its current seller back to the breeder using publicly available records available under federal and applicable state laws. Depending on what information is publicly available, the report may include:
- The seller’s license number
- Seller inspection reports
- The breeder’s and/or broker’s license number
- Breeder and/or broker inspection reports
- Previous business names or aliases associated with the breeder, broker, or seller
- Copies of inspections or enforcement reports
- The transporter’s USDA registration number and any publicly available transporter violations or enforcement records.
This report is based solely on publicly available information and record availability may vary by state, agency and seller.
Not sure how many reports you need?
Review the examples below before submitting your request. Puppies from the same litter and seller can often be researched together, while puppies from different litters or sellers require separate research reports.
Shelter/Rescue Transparency Report
This report reviews a rescue or shelter using publicly available records and information available under federal, state, and local laws (when applicable). Depending on what information is publicly available, the report may include:
- The organization’s registered business or nonprofit name
- State charity or nonprofit registration information
- USDA and/or state license information (if applicable)
- Inspection reports and publicly available violations
- Previous business names, aliases, or affiliated organizations
- Consumer complaints
- Enforcement actions, or legal cases that are publicly documented
This report is based solely on publicly available information and record availability may vary by state, agency, and organization type.