Avoiding Puppy Mills
This is something we have to talk about because puppy mills are a huge problem. We are committed to educating people about how to identify and avoid puppy mills.
What is a puppy mill? A Puppy Mill is a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. These breeders usually house dozens of dogs in less than desirable conditions - or worse.
Avoiding puppy mills can be tricky because the breeders are good at hiding the truth. That means, as a buyer, you have to do your research.
If you're not sure how to do this, please contact us or another breeder you trust.
We would be happy to help you research the breeder you are considering. We want to make sure you are able to find the right puppy for you!
Puppy Mills
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Each year, the Humane Society of the United States releases their list of the 100 worst puppy mills in the country. For the latest list, visit the Horrible Hundred page.
To research a USDA licensed breeder, visit the USDA Research page.
Please note, not all breeders are required to be licensed by the USDA.
Here are some signs the puppy you are thinking about purchasing is from a puppy mill:
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Breeder has multiple litters available at the same time
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Breeder offers several different breeds of puppies (good breeders specialize in one or two breeds)
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Breeder doesn't do health tests on their breeding dogs
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Puppies aren't fully vaccinated (some mills do vaccinate just to look more legitimate)
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Puppies are dirty (although most will clean up the puppies before you see them)
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Breeder won't allow you to see the parents, either in person or via virtual visit
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The puppy is a lot cheaper than similar puppies sold by other breeders (this is a dead giveaway)
It's important to keep in mind that good breeders view their puppies as their children and their breeding dogs as prized possessions.
Good breeders never use a broker or "middle man".
Good breeders want to develop a good relationship with you so we can keep in touch and watch our babies grow!
Puppy Mill Facts
There are approximately
10,000 puppy mills
in the United States.
Nearly all puppies
sold in pet stores
come from
puppy mills.
There are about 500,000 dogs kept
for breeding
in puppy mills.
Puppy mills are a large
part of the economy
for some
Amish communities.
Nearly 2.4 million
puppies come
from puppy mills
each year.
Amish communities
are really good
at hiding
their puppy mills.