What is happening today is appalling and shocking. One of the saddest aspects is that a very large amount of people are totally unaware of what a Puppy Mill even is.

Puppy Mills

Our most faithful of companions are being used and often abused in the back woods of many rural states to breed unhealthy and unloved dogs, in extremely inhumane conditions. Young females, barely out of puppyhood themselves, are forced to produce litter after litter while living in unclimate-controlled, crowded cages, and left to sit and sleep in their own excrement. After producing pups with no concern for health or behavior traits, but rather for sheer profit, the pups are shipped out in trucks, like meat - to pet stores all around the country, where they are then sold to an uneducated public.

Because the puppy mill overhead to take care of these dogs is so low, costs to pet stores are low. But with rates as high as $800 - $1300 per puppy, that's one hefty profit for the pet shops!

Less conspicuous sources for pet stores to purchase their pups from are the commercial kennel, broker (they buy dogs from large and small breeders), or even the local breeder who, although may be touted as responsible, is probably, in reality, doing nothing to ensure that the guidelines set for that particular breed, whether it be physical or behavioral, are sound. They are more than likely producing several litters of pups a year without even testing for genetic problems inherited by that particular breed. The fact that these breeders do not want to know, nor do they care, who the pet stores are selling their litters to, is enough evidence that these are NOT responsible breeders.

What you can do to stop the horrific ways in which puppies are mass bred and sold

Please stay away from any store that sells puppies. As sad as it may seem to see these adorable little creatures in their windows or prospective cages, it is important that you not put another single dollar into the pockets of these proprietors, even to buy pet food. The only way to either force them to change their practice of buying pups, or to shut them down completely, is to boycott them altogether. If it means driving an extra mile to pick up your dog's new toy so as not to patronize this type of store, please consider doing it. You will, in the long run, be helping that pup in the window by not allowing the pet store owner to buy any more puppy mill puppies.

If you are curious and insist on checking into the origin of a particular pet store puppy, use this Pet Store Questionaire. Print it out to take with you. Once you have asked these questions, you will discover that the pet store is probably not the place to purchase your new companion. At that point, please return here and read the following information regarding researching Responsible Breeders.

Please remember to share your new-found knowledge with others, and write the legislators in the states that allow this cruel business practice to occur. Please be polite in your correspondence.

For a list of puppy mill dealers, please visit the Animal Care Home Page, and click on "dealer fact sheet." You will need Adobe Acrobat to view this list.

Please see the following links for more in-depth information on puppy mills, and how to help put them out of business.