Background on Puppy Mills

Is your family thinking of getting a dog this year? Yeah, those puppies playing in newspaper at the pet store in the mall are cute as a button, but there's more to the story than that.

For one, that cute little puppy most likely came from a huge, substandard commercial breeding operation, commonly known as a puppy mill - basically, a factory for dogs. Puppy mills usually keep dogs in overcrowded and often unsanitary conditions, without adequate veterinary care, food, water and socialization. Breeding animals are bred as often as possible in order to increase profits. Unlike your lucky puppy, the mom and dad will probably never make it out of the mill.

Harsh Realities

By buying a pet shop puppy, not only are you supporting a cruel industry, but you run the risk of taking home a sick puppy! Dogs from puppy mills have been reportedly diagnosed with tons of diseases and ailments like respiratory infections and pneumonia, as well as hereditary defects. They may also have trouble interacting with people and other animals. Also, your new “purebred” puppy might not really be a purebred. Lineage records are sometimes faked to say that the dog is a purebred, when in fact, the animal is a mixed breed. Responsible breeders do not sell their dogs through pet stores.

How You Can Help

If you’re looking to make a puppy part of your family, check your local shelters first. There are so many amazing dogs who need homes - and fast! If your heart is set on a specific breed, keep in mind that one in four shelter dogs is a purebred. Additionally, you can do an Internet search for breed-specific rescue organizations. If those attempts still don’t give you the purebred puppy you’re looking for, you’ll need to learn how to choose a responsible breeder.