What is an ethical breeder, anyhow?


 In 2013, Valina, along with Dr. Andy Mencarelli, DVM, participated in a OSPCA PAWDcast! 

During this radio-style interview, we discuss breeder inspections, ethical breeding, and all that goes along with it!  


Or find out what other people have been saying about our breeding practices.


 Occasionally, we are asked for references or testimonials from past clients. Although these do have their place in finding you next furry family member, they should not take the place of visiting the kennel first hand or seeking the opinion of a professional. We requested that our veterinarian, Dr Janice Reid,  conduct a kennel inspection on behalf of those who can not feasibly travel to our kennel. 

*UPDATED*

*It had been a number of years since our last veterinarian inspection, so we requested an updated inspection as soon as our new kennel was complete! And here it is:


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An Update on Starstruck Labradors…..

I had the unique opportunity to have a repeat kennel visit to the new kennel facilities at Starstruck Labradors on June 1, 2023.

I can now say I have known and worked with Starstruck Labradors for 14 years and have seen the kennel breeding practices grow and evolve in that time. 

The facilities that Starstruck previously ran were impressive, but the new kennel facilities are beyond comparison. Time and experience are an asset to any business - and lend to well thought out designs and improvements. 

The new whelping areas are designed to allow for the comfort and safety of both mothers and puppies. They are designed to be easily and thoroughly disinfected between litters which is an absolute necessity. The floors have in-floor heating as well as floor drains to allow for both comfort and thorough cleaning. The entire whelping area walls and floor is comprised of a durable and easily cleaned surface to ensure proper biosecurity for their animals. 

There are large outdoor runs for mothers, puppies and breeding dogs that allow for protection from the elements as well as easily cleaned areas between uses. The outdoor runs even boast heated cement pads to allow for effective cleaning during sub-zero temperatures. 

Even the ventilation has been considered to ensure their animals are breathing fresh air and to minimize any aerosol disease transmission. 

Many things have also remained the same with Starstruck Labradors. Their attention to breeding quality animals with extensive genetic screening has remained the same. Their animals are well cared for, and they have a desire to produce quality animals to continue to improve and further the Labrador breed. 

As always, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to be able to work with Starstruck Labradors, and I look forward to continuing that relationship and watching them achieve new ambitions with their breeding and kennel endeavors. 


Janice Reid, DVM

Didsbury Veterinary Services

Didsbury, AB




 -Starstruck's Awards and Accomplishments-


Beginning in May of 2012, the Calgary Humane Society spearheaded a new breeder inspection program, a great leap toward the end of substandard breeders! However, sadly the program was short-lived, as there were too few breeders willing to open their doors to be voluntarily inspected!

  Our kennel was the first to offer itself up for this voluntary inspection, and the first to pass! We hope to see this program start again soon . Trying to raise the standard with a kennel inspection of our own, we hope that many other breeders will follow our example.


 

In this way, we hope to help reduce the proliferation of sub-standard breeding operations, both large and small. Please help us reach this goal by asking any other breeders you speak with to provide documentation of a full kennel inspection performed by a veterinarian or the Humane Society! There is no excuse for un-inspected kennels!


DO NOT buy a dog or puppy from ANY breeder who has not been inspected by a licensed third party! 




Starstruck Labradors was honored at the Chateau Lake Louise. Here we are, accepting the Responsible Breeder award for 2012!
Unfortunately, the dogs were otherwise occupied, and couldn't be in attendance that evening.


Only one award is given per year, and 2012 was our time to shine!  Although we are very happy to accept this award, we hope to have more competition next year as more breeders take to higher ethical breeding practices.





To the left, is an Improvement Breeder Award, given to us in honour of our efforts to make improvements to the breeding lines we use in the Labrador Retriever.


Genetics, Pedigree, and Health are three different awards that acknowledge the lengths that good breeders will go to for the improvement of the breed, particularly the dilute colours.