Introduction: What are puppy mills?

Puppy mills are commercial dog breeding facilities that prioritize profit over animal welfare. The dogs in these mills are often kept in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, without proper veterinary care, socialization, or exercise. The puppies produced in these mills are typically sold to pet stores, online retailers, or directly to consumers.

Definition: What is considered a puppy mill?

There is no one-size-fits-all definition of a puppy mill, but generally speaking, any commercial breeding operation that prioritizes profit over animal welfare can be considered a puppy mill. Some common indicators of a puppy mill include breeding dogs kept in small, wire-floored cages, lack of veterinary care, and selling puppies through pet stores or online retailers without proper health screenings.

History: When did puppy mills become a problem?

Puppy mills have been a problem for several decades, but they gained more attention in the 1990s and 2000s as animal welfare advocates raised concerns about the conditions in these facilities. In 1996, the Animal Welfare Act was amended to include regulations for commercial dog breeders, but these regulations only apply to breeders who sell puppies to pet stores or brokers, leaving many puppy mills unregulated. Despite increased awareness and efforts to regulate puppy mills, they continue to be a problem in the United States.