At Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital, we provide medically guided reproductive services for dogs and cats throughout Billings and the surrounding region. Whether you are planning a carefully managed breeding program or preparing for a first litter, our team offers thoughtful support grounded in veterinary oversight.
Breeding requires more than timing and planning. It involves health evaluations, infectious disease screening, and careful monitoring to protect both the parent animals and their future litters. We work closely with pet owners and breeders to ensure each step of the process is approached responsibly and safely.
In addition to canine reproductive services, we also provide prenatal and natal care for queens (female cats), supporting their health and the safe delivery of their kittens.
Before breeding takes place, careful planning is essential. Not every dog or cat is an ideal candidate for reproduction, and thoughtful evaluation helps protect the health of both the parent and future offspring.
Pre-breeding consultations allow us to assess overall health, review vaccination status, discuss genetic considerations, and identify any potential concerns that could affect pregnancy or delivery. We work with owners to evaluate temperament, structural soundness, and breed-specific risks when determining readiness for breeding.
Our goal is to support responsible breeding programs that prioritize long-term health and ethical decision-making. Whether you are an experienced breeder or considering a first litter, veterinary guidance early in the process can significantly improve outcomes.
Breeding support extends beyond conception. We provide pregnancy monitoring and postnatal care to help ensure the safety of both mother and offspring.
Every breeding situation is unique. From initial consultation through delivery and newborn care, our team remains available to guide owners through each stage of the reproductive process.
Accurate progesterone testing and disease screening help reduce risk and improve conception success. Our team works with breeders to determine which evaluations are appropriate based on breed, health history, and long-term goals
We recommend scheduling a pre-breeding exam at least 1 to 2 months before your planned breeding. This allows time for health screening, genetic testing, Brucella testing, and cycle planning. Proper breeding plan and preparation significantly improves the chances of a successful, healthy pregnancy that produces amazing puppies!
Timing is critical. Physical signs of heat alone are not reliable indicators of ovulation. Progesterone testing ON SITE allows us to precisely monitor hormone levels quickly and accurately to determine the optimal breeding window. This is critical to achieve pregnancy whether using frozen, shipped, or fresh semen.
Progesterone testing measures hormone levels during a female dog’s heat cycle to identify ovulation timing. Accurate timing increases conception rates and reduces missed breedings. At Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital, we perform in-house testing to provide same-day results and timely recommendations. For every breeding, ovulation timing is valuable knowledge--we can accurately predict when your female will whelp within a 48-hour window! This can decrease stress and time off work --to save you money. Knowing when a female is due to whelp also allows us to intervene in a timely manner so that your puppies are safely delivered--even if all things do not go to plan.
Yes. Brucella canis is a contagious bacterial infection that can cause infertility, pregnancy loss, and transmission to other dogs. Testing both the male and female prior to each breeding is strongly recommended to protect your dogs and your breeding program.
Responsible breeding includes appropriate genetic testing and orthopedic screening. Depending on breed, some testing may include:
We help breeders determine which tests are appropriate for their specific breed and goals. It is important to plan well in advance of the breeding for the appropriate tests to be done. We are passionate about helping breeders do the best they possibly can for their specified goals of their breeding program!
A C-section may be recommended if labor is not progressing normally, if puppies are in distress, or in breeds predisposed to delivery complications. We provide surgical support and monitoring to ensure the safety of both mother and puppies when intervention is necessary. We can evaluate puppy stress and pre-whelping issues prior to birth via ultrasound. Early intervention = healthy puppies delivered safely.
Yes. We provide full litter exams, puppy health checks, tail docking and dewclaw removal (when appropriate), and ongoing postnatal support to help ensure a healthy start for each puppy. We regularly aid breeders in neonatal care and have saved puppies that would have otherwise not lived. Our first hand knowledge and interest in neonatal care is paramount to your success. We also provide puppy pre-purchase evaluations and certifications so that you are protected as a breeder when your puppy goes to its new home.
Yes. We regularly work with breeders from across Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota and Canada who are seeking veterinary-guided reproductive care and advanced breeding services. We can aid you in all areas of canine reproductive medicine. It is not uncommon in our expansive area for breeders to board the female to be bred for timing of ovulation and delivery of semen. We understand that there are travel challenges, and we seek to aid you in achieving your breeding goals.
Breeding should be approached thoughtfully and responsibly. Not all dogs are ideal breeding candidates. A veterinary consultation can help determine if your dog is physically and genetically suited for breeding, and whether it aligns with your long-term goals. We have extensive experience and insight into showing and performance sports to aid you in making good decisions for your breeding program.
From Billings and Laurel to Red Lodge, Cody, and surrounding communities, breeders rely on Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital for medically guided reproductive services and timely diagnostic support.
If you’re planning a breeding or need reproductive consultation, our team is here to help you move forward