Stop Online Puppy Mills

Thinking of getting a puppy? That’s awesome, here’s what you should know about puppy mills and what to look out for. ​
Puppy mills still exist, they’ve just gotten sneakier. Online puppy mills create beautiful websites that make them look like loving breeders, and dang aren’t those little faces cute. The reality is quite different. We want to help you make an informed decision when choosing your next best friend. 

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What is a puppy mill?
Puppy mills are large or small dog breeders that breed puppies for profit. Puppy mills can have anywhere from 10 to hundreds of breeding dogs. Mother dogs are kept pregnant and in cages at all times; their feet never touch the ground. They are also denied proper vet care, grooming, exercise, and love.

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Where are puppy mill puppies sold?
It is fairly common knowledge that pet store puppies are from puppy mills, but puppy mill breeders all over the internet. They will use social media pages, online classified ads, and social media group pages. Puppies can also be sold on puppy broker websites which can look extremely professional. These websites simply provide the template and web traffic for any person or breeder to upload photos and easily sell puppies. They all say they don't like puppy mills, or have a no puppy mill promise but they are not held to that. If you have to call in to a puppy concierge to make the purchase, know that these people are commissioned salesmen. They want to make a puppy sale. 

Thinking of buying a dog online? It’s 2020, you buy everything else online, why not your dog? If the way the mamas are treated isn’t enough to change your mind, puppy mill dogs can often be sick and most are not socialized due to being taken away from their mothers too soon. These puppies miss important steps in early development that can lead to anxiety and behavior issues for life. Read first hand experiences here.

But the site looks legit and the puppies are so cuuuuuuute.
​If you want a healthy well adjusted adult dog (pro-tip, puppies grow up), it's important to know the real history of the dog's background. One red flag you should look for is the person selling the puppy refusing to let you visit their kennel. Some will even say you can visit, but when the time comes they’ll change their mind and say they can save you the trip because they will be in your area or they will ask to meet you in a parking lot. Responsible breeders have nothing to hide and are proud of how they raise and keep their dogs. Focusing on the condition of the parent dogs will reflect on the health and temperament of the puppy for years to come. ​

What to look for in a responsible breeder.
​Do your homework and ask lots of questions. Responsible breeders want to meet you and will encourage you to visit their home to see where their dogs live. Do the dogs look happy, well adjusted, and unafraid of people? Are they living in a clean environment? Are the dogs living the way you would keep your dog? How many different types of dogs does the breeder breed? Do they always have puppies for sale? Ask for references from other families that have bought puppies from the breeder as well as vet references. Does the dog come with a contract? Responsible breeders will always take their dog back if ever you are unable to properly care for it and will also offer a health guarantee. A good breeder cares where their puppies are going to live. It's very important for you to see for yourself where the dog is coming from. 

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Adoption is always a great option.
We’ll be first in line to talk to you about rescued dogs, and if you have any questions or concerns about adopting one contact us at contact@rdmoc.com. There are plenty of myths about adopting a dog but we’re here to help. If you are looking for a specific breed or age they are out there! For a comprehensive list of rescue dogs in need of a home go to Petfinder.com.
If you have more questions a about online puppy mills email: info@stoponlinepuppymills.org
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