The best time for a pregnancy ultrasound is usually between days 28 and 35 from the last mating. Scanning during this window gives the best chance of clearly confirming a pregnancy. Ultrasound can give an indication of litter size, but an exact puppy or kitten count cannot be guaranteed.

Puppies must be microchipped and registered before they leave their breeder and by 8 weeks of age. Kittens in England must be microchipped by 20 weeks of age. Smart Chip Animal Services offers a convenient mobile service, so litters can remain settled at home with mum. Microchips are registered with AnimalData.

Canine cytology is a simple, minimally invasive test that can help determine where a bitch is in her season and identify changes associated with her fertile period. A gentle vaginal swab is taken and the cells are examined under a microscope. This can help breeders make better-informed decisions about mating timing.