Puppy Mills

A puppy mill is a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. Unlike responsible breeders, who place the utmost importance on producing the healthiest puppies possible, breeding at puppy mills is performed without consideration of genetic quality. This results in generations of dogs with unchecked hereditary defects.

Puppy mill puppies are typically sold to pet shops—usually through a broker, or middleman—and marketed as young as eight weeks of age. The lineage records of puppy mill dogs are often falsified. Read More »

USDA Fails to Protect Puppy Mill Dogs
According the Office of the Inspector General, the USDA failed to enforce the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) against puppy mills—allowing dogs to live in gruesome, inhumane conditions.

What Is a Puppy Mill?
Thinking of getting a dog this year? There are some things you need to know.

Help Fight Puppy Mills
Let’s get started—it’s easy to make a difference today! 

So, You Just Adopted a Puppy Mill Dog?
Here's help for some challenges you may face with these special pooches.

Scams & Cons
Puppy swindles are big business! Avoid a broken heart and an empty wallet.

Your Stories
Do you have a dog from a puppy mill? Your experiences can educate and inform others.

Laws Protecting Dogs & Consumers
Learn about "lemon laws” and see how puppy mills are (and are not) regulated.

Puppy Mill Glossary
Get to know the terms associated with this inhumane industry

Raids and Investigations: Puppy Mills
The ASPCA is wiping out animal fighters, busting law-breaking breeders and saving thousands of animals from the horrors of abuse.

Get Active on ASPCA.org!

Find a Shelter
If you’re looking to make a puppy part of your family, please make adoption your first option. Visit your local shelters, where many wonderful pets are waiting for forever homes.

Join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade
Become a member of the A’s special group of animal lovers who fight for puppy mill reform in our nation’s halls of power!