Reproductive Services
As a breeder herself, Dr. Player understands what is actually at stake. She knows the weight behind every progesterone draw, every ultrasound, every stud dog decision, and every whelping - not only as a veterinarian, but as someone who has loved Rottweilers her entire life and has spent decades working to positively impact the breed through responsible breeding active participation in the American Rottweiler Club.
She also understands the questions responsible breeders carry. Is the timing right? Is this the right pairing? Is the pregnancy progressing normally? Will the litter arrive safely? These are not abstract questions to her. They are the same questions she has asked in her own breeding program, and they shape the thoughtful, detail-oriented care she provides to every reproductive patient.
Dr. Player’s background in shelter medicine also gives her a firm sense of responsibility around reproduction. She has seen the consequences when breeding is approached carelessly, without appropriate planning, health testing, structure, temperament, or long-term accountability. Her varied experience does not make her anti-breeder! Rather, it makes her deeply committed to supporting breeders who are doing the work well.
At Bristol Veterinary Clinic, reproductive medicine is not about simply producing puppies. It is about helping responsible breeders make informed decisions, protect the health of the bitch and litter, and improve the future of their breed structurally, behaviorally, genetically, and medically.
Bristol Veterinary Clinic is proud to support responsible breeders with a full suite of canine reproductive services. Whether you are managing a proven breeding program or planning your very first litter, we provide clear communication, evidence-based guidance, and precision care at every stage.
Our team brings decades of experience in canine reproduction and neonatal medicine, including active involvement in the preservation and performance dog communities. While we are not board-certified theriogenologists, we are passionate about helping breeders produce healthy, well-structured, purpose-bred dogs.
BVC utilizes a Mini VIDAS for in-house progesterone testing, with results interpreted using data validated against industry gold-standard chemiluminescence progesterone measurement.
Requirements to Receive Reproductive Care
In order to preserve our commitment to ethical breeding and animal welfare, all reproductive clients must meet and maintain the following expectations:
- Health-tested breeding animals, consistent with OFA and/or parent club recommendations
- Breeding decisions aligned with recognized breed standards, with no exotic colors or disqualifying traits
- Healthy breeding animals, including appropriate pre-breeding examinations, current vaccines, and up-to-date brucellosis testing
- Dogs with stable, safe temperaments who can accept physical handling without muzzling or sedation. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, particularly for working dogs or dogs with specific handling considerations. Please contact us in advance if this may apply to your dog.
We reserve the right to refuse reproductive services to any animal or client who does not meet these expectations, regardless of timing or urgency.
We are available 24/7/365 for urgent reproductive concerns only for our established reproductive clients who follow BVC's Protocols.
Full-Service Canine Reproduction
Bristol Veterinary Clinic offers a comprehensive range of reproductive services for both dogs and bitches, including:
- Ovulation timing with same day results from in-house progesterone testing
- Artificial insemination, including vaginal insemination, transcervical insemination, and surgical insemination
- Semen collection, evaluation, and fresh chilled shipping
- Semen cryopreservation and on-site storage
- Infertility counseling and intervention
- Prenatal monitoring and neonatal care
- Nomograph titer testing to properly time the administration of vaccinations and prevent over or under vaccination
- Whelping support
- Portable ultrasound rental for established clients monitoring late pregnancy and signs of fetal distress
- Neonatal support
- Tail docking, dewclaw removal, and ear cropping
- Health certificates for interstate and international travel
- Referrals for OFA specialty testing, including advanced cardiac evaluations
- Emergency breeding support for approved clients
We prioritize patient safety and breeder success through accurate timing, detailed follow-up protocols, and around-the-clock communication when necessary.
Planning Ahead
New reproductive clients must schedule a Reproductive Consultation before any time-sensitive procedures can be guaranteed. Emergency breeding care is reserved for established clients who have followed our protocols.
After-hours care, including phone consultations, house calls, or in clinic visits, may incur additional fees and is available only to current reproductive clients in good standing.
Our Philosophy
Bristol Veterinary Clinic is dedicated to preservation and purpose-driven breeding. We do not support fads, novelty colors, novelty coat types, or producing puppies for volume. We are passionate about helping ethical breeders improve and safeguard the future of their breed structurally, behaviorally, and genetically.
We believe reproductive medicine should support the health of the bitch, the puppies produced, the long-term integrity of the breed, and promote the human-animal bond. Our goal is to provide breeders with the medical guidance, honest communication, and technical support needed to make informed, responsible decisions from a bitch's first day in heat until her puppies are released to their homes.
