How to help fight puppy mills

1. What’s a Puppy Mill?

   Puppy mills are large commercial breeding facilities that treat the animals poorly. Think of it like a factory for animals: dogs are a product made for profit. They are kept in small cages their entire lives in often unsanitary conditions without attention, let alone love, and are bred as often as possible. Not surprisingly, this leads to tons of health problems.

2. Don’t Buy From a Pet Store!

   Most pet stores get their animals from mills, not local breeders. If you’re unsure – ask the owners and find out their source.

3. Make Adoption Your First Option

   Check your local shelters. There are many dogs waiting for good homes – and a quarter of them are purebred! Or, look for a dog with breed rescue. Scan the internet for breed-specific rescue organizations.

4. Know How to Recognize a Responsible Breeder

If you are choosing to buy from a breeder, make sure you are buying from one who cares about his or her dogs. They are not interested just in the sale, but they want to place the dogs with a caring family. Read the
ASPCA’s responsible breeding statement to be able to identify a responsible breeder.

5. See Where Your Puppy Was Born and Bred

   Ask the breeder to look at the home where the puppy was born and ask to meet the parents (or at least the mother). Also, ask for an adoption contract that explains the breeder’s responsibilities, health guarantees, and return policy.

6. Internet buyers beware!

   If you buy a puppy based on a picture and a phone call, you have no way to see the puppy’s home or meet her parents. Also, those who sell animals on the Internet are not held to the Animal Welfare Act regulations – and are not inspected by the USDA.

7. Share your Puppy Mill story with the us!

   If you have – or think you have – purchased a puppy-mill puppy, share your story. Every bit of evidence can help to get laws passed banning puppy mills.

8. Speak Out!

   Write to your local and state legislators. Join the ASPCA
   Advocacy Brigade for updates on legislation!

9. Tell Your Friends!

   If your friend is planning to buy a puppy mill puppy, spread the word and inform them of the cruelty of these facilities. Tell them about the wonderful dogs in animal shelters!

10. Think Globally

    Use the internet (facebook, MySpace, a blog, etc.) to speak out about puppy mills! Link to the site on puppy mill information at DoSomething.org or ASPCA.org.

11. Act Locally!
    When people are looking to buy or adopt a pet, they will often ask the advice of their veterinarian, groomer or pet supply store. Ask the owners if you can leave flyers with them.

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