What is a “Puppy Mill”?

A “puppy mill” is a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation that places profit over the well-being of its dogs – who are often severely neglected – and acts without regard to responsible breeding practices.

How Can You Tell if A Breeder is a Puppy Mill?

Here are several warning signs:

• Makes excuses why you can’t meet the parents of the puppy.
• Tries to sell you a puppy under eight weeks old.
• Offers to met you in a public place to sell the puppy.
• Uses registries like American Canine Association, Continental Kennel Club, Inc. Federation of International Canines, or others you have never heard of.
• Advertises specialized varieties of “rare” breeds.
• Advertises “Puppies always available” or “Puppies ready for Christmas, Easter, etc.”
• Sells puppies in pet stores, classified ads. Use hand-painted road signs.
• Click HERE to read more about puppy mills from the ASPCA.

Good, Reputable Breeders Do Exist. A Quality Breeder Will:

• Provide a list of specific health checks done on their adult dogs and the puppies before selling them.
• Breeds to the standard and uses registries like American Kennel Club.
• Participate in dog shows or other competitive events to help them determine where their dogs stand in relationship to the breed standard.
• Provide a lifetime “take back” guarantee and will require that you return the dog or get approval for a new home.
• Require a written application from you and a list of references.
• NEVER allow you to take a puppy before it is 8 weeks old.
• Provide a written health record for your puppy that includes date of whelping, health problems, date a kind of each shot, dates of worming and what drug was used.
• Invite you to his/her place of business.
• Specializes and will only offer one (or possibly two) breeds of dogs.
• Be accessible. They will return your phone calls.

See Puppy Mill – Facts and Figures – 2016 (© The Humane Society of the United States 2012)