Puppy mills

A puppy mill is an inhumane, high‑volume, dog‑breeding facility that produces puppies for profit while disregarding the health and well‑being of both the puppies and their parents. In these operations, dogs are often kept in crowded conditions with little personal attention, inadequate veterinary care and repeated breeding throughout their lives.

Puppy mills commonly share several warning signs. Sellers may refuse to allow buyers to see where the puppies were raised or to meet the mother dog. Puppies are often sold through online marketplaces, classified ads, flea markets or pet stores, rather than directly from the breeder. Poor living conditions, lack of transparency and health issues in puppies may also be indicators.

Puppy mills focus on producing large numbers of puppies for sale, often at the expense of the dogs’ health and welfare. Parent dogs may spend their entire lives in cages and receive minimal care. Responsible breeders, by contrast, raise puppies in clean, humane environments and are willing to meet buyers, show where puppies are raised and provide information about the puppy’s parents and care.

Puppy mills remain a large‑scale problem in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 2 million puppies from puppy mills are sold each year, with many sold through pet stores and online platforms.

When dogs are removed from puppy mills due to cruelty investigations, disasters or lawenforcement actions, we assist with providing urgent care, transportation and placement into shelters and rescue partners. These efforts help dogs recover and eventually find safe, loving homes. Additionally, our Animal Rescue Team helps law enforcement gather and process evidence to assist with animal cruelty cases.

Efforts to end puppy mill cruelty include supporting legislative reforms, conducting investigations, pursuing litigation and raising public awareness. We work to improve breeding standards, strengthen enforcement and hold irresponsible breeders and sellers accountable.

Consider adoption first! Visit an animal shelter or a reputable rescue group. If you choose to buy from a breeder instead, visit the property in person and see where the puppy was raised. Never meet at a third-party location. View veterinary records and meet the mother dog.

Educate friends and family about humane sources of pets, and let your elected officials know that you want to see stronger laws and better enforcement in place to end cruelty at puppy mills. Download our free advocacy kit for more tips!

Report cruel conditions, such as dogs without food, water or adequate shelter and care, to the dealer’s local humane law enforcement agency, or local police or sheriff’s department if no humane law enforcement agency exists. Report unlicensed breeders to the relevant agency. You can also let us know!

Let us know! You can also look into puppy lemon laws or report problem sellers to the local consumer affairs office and state agencies.