Information about Puppy Mills

In contrast to a reputable breeder, a puppy mill is an operation in which dogs are bred at high quantities with minimal attention given to the health or proper treatment of the newborn dogs or their parents.

  1. Function

    • A puppy mill is mainly concerned with profit and does not invest energy in ensuring their animals will make healthy, happy pets. Dogs born at puppy mills are most often sold to pet shops at a young age.

    Effects

    • Often, dogs bred in a puppy-mill setting will have health issues. Some complications that are common include heart disease, epilepsy, respiratory defects and deafness.

    History

    • This factory-like process of breeding dogs has been around for decades. Puppy mills began to surface after World War II and were considered a way for farmers to have a steady, desirable product.

    Geography

    • Puppy mills are not concentrated to one geographic location and have sprouted up throughout the country. States with a high concentration of puppy mills include Missouri and Pennsylvania.

    Prevention/Solution

    • To avoid supporting a puppy mill, it's best not to purchase a dog from a pet shop. To be sure you are not buying a puppy mill dog, avoid purchasing a pet from anyone who does not permit you to visit the puppy's home or meet its parents.