Puppy mills are large scale commercial dog breeding operations that are designed for one thing only: profit. Dogs bred and born in puppy mills almost never receive the very basic proper veterinarian care such as immunizations and health check. The dogs are bred continuously with very little time to recuperate in between litters and are kept in small enclosures that are often filled with feces and urine. Puppy mill dogs are only given the very basic necessities that allow them to survive: food and water. They are allowed no exercise, play time, socialization or treats.
Puppy mill dogs are either kept outside with no shelter and subject to inclement weather or they are kept inside in small crates that allow for more dogs to be bred, often stacked one on top of another. These are extremely poor living conditions for any dog. Puppy mill operators have little regard for their animals as long as they produce puppies that they can then sell at a profit to individuals and pet stores. Once a dog loses the ability to produce puppies she is often killed. Likewise, it is the same for any puppy that is born with defects, and that is prevalent in puppy mills because little regard is given to lineage (meaning brothers and sisters may be bred). This creates a higher risk of having one or more deformed puppies born in a litter.
Puppy mill operators often falsify lineage records or offer none at all. Because of the lack of veterinarian care, puppies born in puppy mills often become sick with pup diseases such as kennel cough and parvo virus. They often have genetic conditions that will only come to the surface as they grow older; in other words, unsuspecting prospective owners have no idea that their new dog is sick or will develop serious ailments later in life. Furthermore, they have no clue that by purchasing their new pup they are helping support a puppy mill operation.
Puppy mill operators will never let prospective clients see where the puppies are really kept or bred, for obvious reasons. Some have a nice place set up to show off the puppies, but most will refuse to let buyers near their puppy mill operation, instead ‘generously’ offering to come to them with a few puppies to look at.
How to avoid buying from a puppy mill, or getting a puppy mill dog from the pet store
Never, ever buy a dog online, as many puppy mill operators use the internet to sell their puppies. They upload cute pictures, brag about the quality of their dogs and offer to deliver the puppy themselves. If you can’t see where the puppies are bred and born, you have no way of knowing they didn’t come from a puppy mill. Responsible dog breeders will never refuse to meet you or have you see where they keep their dogs. Because they care for their dogs and puppies, they have a vested interest in screening potential buyers to ensure that their dogs go to good people who will take good care of them.
Puppy mill operators don’t care – they’re in it for the money, not for the welfare of their animals.
Many pet stores know that their dogs come from puppy mills and will tell their customers that the puppies they are selling came from “licensed USDA breeders” or “local breeders”. This may sound reassuring but it means nothing. If you see a puppy at the pet store that you are considering taking home, ask for the name and number of the breeder. If the pet store won’t give it to you, walk away.
Puppy mills often advertise pure breeds. That sounds alluring to a lot of people. Some puppy mills even do have pure bred puppies, but with the strong possibility of genetic defects because of the breeding environment. If you are looking for a pure breed dog, consider adoption.
There are also breed rescue groups for most any breed, so you might find your new dog there if your heart is set on a specific breed. If you do decide to go with a reputable breeder, make sure you can see the puppy and his or her parents (or at least his or her mother) where they are bred. Never agree to meet a breeder anywhere but their home or breeding environment and never, ever have a puppy shipped to you without having seen him or her and the breeder in person.
About 5 percent of dogs surrendered to shelters are pure bred, and you may be lucky enough to find your new companion there giving them a second chance in the process.
Puppy mills are disgraceful operations that harm countless dogs throughout the United States and the world. Disease, death, stress and anxiety are prevalent for dogs unlucky enough to be part of that world, and no one should unwittingly finance these despicable operations. Do your research and choose to adopt or buy from a reputable breeder. This way you’ll be sure you’re getting a healthy pup and won’t be helping puppy mills grow stronger.
