The Ragdoll DNA Registry requires that all members subscribe to the following Code of Ethics to promote and advocate for the highest standards among breeders, exhibitors, and owners of purebred Ragdoll breeding felines. Heartiness, temperament, and conformation to breed standards, in that order is our mission regarding the continued protection, advancement, and welfare of the purebred Ragdoll breed of feline. The Ragdoll enthusiasts and breeders who founded this Registry share a common goal: to preserve the genetic markers of the purebred Ragdoll feline. By doing this, future Ragdoll owners, breeders, and exhibitors can share the same special experience of living with a true Ragdoll. Without the adherence to genetic standards, the Ragdoll may fall victim to the fate that has occurred with many cat breeds. Most notably, the Ragdoll could become overbred for breed "type" to the extent that they will be inbred, or line-bred, and ultimately changed for the worse regarding health, temperament, and neural function. This breed registry is an official list of purebred Ragdolls whose parents are known. These Ragdolls are registered by their breeders at birth or when they are still young. The following Code of Ethics is predicated upon this fundamental philosophy. Please peruse the Code of Ethics and familiarize yourself with the requirements of our members:

I.I am a member in good standing of the Ragdoll DNA Registry and have registered my cattery, cats, and/or kittens with the Ragdoll DNA Registry and provided genetic markers, photos, and the official copy of a five-generation pedigree for one or more of the purebred Ragdoll felines that I own.

II.I ascribe to and accept that the protection, advancement, and welfare of the purebred Ragdoll breed supersedes personal, competitive, or financial reasons for owning a Ragdoll feline and that the future of the breed depends upon sharing of accurate and information.

III.I will breed discriminately and only if I can find appropriate homes for my kittens. I will not knowingly sell or trade Ragdolls to wholesalers, retailers, pet shops, medical research facilities, or agents thereof, or to unethical persons whose intent is questionable to me. Any kitten or cat sold as a pet/companion will be sold under the following conditions:

          a. I will guarantee that the kitten/cat is in good health at the time of sale.

          b. I will urge the purchaser to have the kitten/cat examined by the purchaser's own veterinarian within a few days of purchase to confirm its good health.

         c.I will explain to the purchaser the dangers of an outdoor environment and I will not tolerate unnecessary suffering or inhumane treatment (e.g., declawing).

          d.I will provide a written sales agreement that describes all the terms of the sale.

          e.I will abide by my own sales agreement and I will be honest and factual in all my communications, either written or verbal, as well as in any advertisements or promotions of the Ragdoll.

          f. I will make every effort to spay/neuter every kitten/cat prior to leaving my cattery. If this should not be possible, I will require that the kitten be spayed or neutered no later than 8 months of age and not be allowed to produce any offspring.

          g. I will provide the Ragdoll DNA Registry with a registration certificate and/or pedigree for the kitten/cat only after I have received written evidence from a licensed veterinarian that the kitten/cat has been altered.

          h. I will encourage the purchaser to contact me if the purchaser has any questions and I will respond in a timely manner.

          i.I will not release a kitten until it has been inoculated at least twice against the following: Panleukopenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Calicivirus. I also may choose to give other vaccinations.

IV.I shall agree that receipt by the Board of Directors of written allegations of violations of this Code of Ethics shall be investigated and acted upon according to the By-Laws of the organization.

V.I understand if the Ragdoll DNA Registry receives three (3) complaints in any single twelve (12) month period, the Ragdoll DNA Registry Membership will be suspended, and I will not be allowed to reapply for a twenty-four (24) month period and will be placed on a suspension list.

VI.I will respond in a timely fashion to any inquiries from the Ragdoll DNA Registry regarding my cattery, my cats or any cats/kittens that have been placed as pets or with any other breeder catteries.

VII.Complaints or recommendations concerning the registry services or operation shall be in writing, signed by the member, and addressed to the Board of Directors.