Puppies for sale in pet shops and in front of grocery stores or in a newspaper or internet ad are most likely from puppy mills, or from "backyard breeders" wanting to make a few dollars at your and the animal's expense.

Simply put, a puppy mill is the equivalent to solitary confinement for dogs, with living conditions characterized by overcrowding, filth and lack of food, water, adequate shelter and little to no veterinary care.

Frequently, cages are stacked so the puppies and dogs below are urinated and deficated on by the dogs above.  That is, if the cage floor has not yet solidified with waste from years of not being cleaned.

Fed and bred. That's it. No walks. No interaction with humans. No dog treats, toys or a soft blanket. Dogs live in the same two foot by two foot wire cage for about eight years until their breeding days are done. Rarely, if ever, will they ever set foot on grass.

These mills are damaging the image of good traditional dog breeders where dogs are well cared for, healthy, properly socialized, and raised in the home as the family pets they are meant to be.

To find a responsible breeder, be sure to visit the home from which your puppy is coming from.  If a breeder offers to ship the puppy to you, likely it is a puppy mill.  If the breeder is not critiquing YOU, walk away.  Likely, this breeder is only in it for the money and you may end up with a very sick puppy. 

Responsible breeders ask potential buyers to sign a contract, agreeing that they must bring the dog back at any time they find they can no longer keep it.

Once you visit the home your puppy is coming from, be sure to ask to see the parents and littermates of the puppy.  Look at their living situation and their sociability.  Take a good look around the property and listen carefully.  Sometimes hundreds of dogs are tucked away in a barn, hidden from potential buyers.

A great way to ensure you are buying from a responsible breeder is to get your vet to refer you to a breeder they are familiar with.  Responsible breeders also have no problem sharing with you the contact information of people who have purchased from them in the past.  Be sure to contact others to find out their experience with the breeder and their puppy.

Did you know that for every human born there are 45 dogs and cats born? Or that only 1 out of 10 puppies born get a home? Only 1 out of 8 kittens born get a home? Did you also know that 800 dogs and cats are put to sleep every HOUR?

Don’t forget to check out petfinder.com to find the exact breed you are looking for!

By adopting from a rescue or shelter, you truly are saving a life.

As tempting as it is to buy that cute puppy in the window, knowing his past has probably been one of pure hell, you are not doing a good deed by purchasing him.  Even your one purchase is supporting the puppy mill industry by creating demand. 

Don't even think of buying the puppy (or anything else) from the store! You will only be consigning its parents--and future generations--to more misery, abuse, and despair in the puppy mills. (Remember: Pet store puppy buyers are the sole reason puppy mills exist.)

Purchasing that one puppy may also end up being the most expensive purchase you’ll make.  Many puppies purchased from pet stores become sick shortly after being taken home.  It is then that the many, many ailments this puppy is suffering from such a hard beginning become clear. 

For more great information on potential puppy mill pet stores, visit here:
http://www.pawsplace.org/PuppyStores.html

If you have already purchased a puppy from a pet store, and you are curious of its origin, visit here: http://www.petshoppuppies.com/

For more information on Ohio's animal cruelty laws and proposed legislation to increase penalties for abusers of companion pets, read H.B. No. 22.

What can I do to help?

• The most important thing you can do to help stop puppy mills is to never purchase a puppy from a pet store or irresponsible breeder. 

• Contact us for digital copies of posters or information to hang in your neighborhood at places such as veterinary offices, pet supply stores, groceiry stores, dog parks, etc.

• Join us on our protests.  The more people who come to our protests, the louder our voice will be heard.

• Send a donation. Unfortunately, producing educational pieces, advertising, and rescuing puppy mill puppies is not cheap.  Your donation is greatly appreciated.  Just visit the “Donate” or the link at the top of the page.

• Shop our online store.  Not only will you spread the word by displaying our website and message on fashionable shirts, hats, etc, but your purchase will help support the many expenses involved in our campaign.