How to Make Sure Your Pet Doesn't Come From a Puppy Mill

Puppy mills house dogs in cramped, dirty conditions. Many of the dogs that come from puppy mills are mistreated, sick, and never get the right medical care. You can do your part in fighting back by ensuring your next pet doesn't come from a puppy mill.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Humnane society and other animal shelter
• A trustworthy veterinarian
• Willing to take care of and give a dog a safe and happy home

1. NEVER buy your dog from a pet store. Most if not all of the dogs in pet stores come from puppy mills. Even if the store claims that they don't get their dogs from puppy mills, the truth is that they don't know and don't bother to try and find out.

2. 
   photo by gotpetsonline.com

   Go to your local humane society or other animal shelter and adopt a dog. There are always loving, friendly dogs looking for a safe and happy home that can be foudn at the humane society in your town.

3. When you contact breeders, make sure you see the conditions that the dogs are raised in. If you suspect animal abuse, contact your local animal control or the SPCA.

4. 
   dogbreedinfo.com

   Adopt a dog from an individual who you trust. If you know of friends who are moving and can't take their dog with them, offer to adopt the dog rather than have the dog placed in a shelter. You have the added advantage of already knowing the temperment of the dog and what training the dog has already received.

5. Use petfinder.com to search for the type of dog you want to adopt. You can also get information on pet breeds, training, and find out how you can support animal shelters.

6. 
   photo by content.clearchannel.com

   Petco, a national pet supplies and services store, holds adoption events and has an in-store adoption center to connect you to local pet shelters.

Resources

• Petco
• Petfinder
• Learn Dog Training Techniques from
• Deal with Pet Bereavement/Pet Loss

[Alrady]

on 5/5/2009 OPuppies in animal shelters are often from puppy mills... you have to ask for breed background from shelter just like you would from breeder. You steps on finding alternatives are really good especially checking out conditions of where the pups have been.

[lildutchgirl56]

on 12/18/2008 I know of people that drove half way across the USA to buy a purebreed; most likely from a puppy mill. Always reseach the breeder before buying a pet so your not supporting a puppy mill. Excellent article!!