Meredith Lee / The HSUS
Stopping Puppy Mills
It's time to end the cruel treatment of dogs in mass breeding operations.
The problem with puppy mills
In puppy mills, mother dogs spend their entire lives in cramped cages with little to no personal attention. Due to poor sanitation, overbreeding and a lack of preventive veterinary care, the puppies frequently suffer from a variety of health issues, creating heartbreaking challenges for families who should be enjoying the delights of adopting a new family member.
are estimated to be currently active in the United States
are kept solely for breeding purposes in all puppy mills
are sold each year after originating from a puppy mill
What are puppy mills?
Inhumane high-volume dog breeding facilities that churn out puppies for profit, ignoring the needs of the pups and their mothers. They commonly sell through internet sales, online classified ads, flea markets and pet stores. Responsible breeders will be happy to meet you in person and show you where the puppy was born and raised—and where their mom lives too.
Amie Chou/Humane World for Animals
Pledge to protect puppies
Puppy mills force animals to live in deplorable conditions. You can stop this cruel cycle by pledging to adopt from a shelter or rescue or to purchase from a responsible breeder.
Our work around the world
We're fighting to stop puppy mills on all possible levels, including supporting legislative changes, conducting investigations and litigation and promoting public awareness and education.
Some of the findings of our latest Horrible Hundred report sound like scenes from horror films. One breeder was associated with the American Kennel Club, a purebred dog registry organization that used to call itself “the dog’s champion.”
Since we first started publishing our Horrible Hundred report on problem puppy mills in 2013, at least 2,500 animals have been rescued from these bad breeders, and more than 250 puppy mills from our reports have closed.
In March this year, our Animal Rescue Team arrived at two properties in Milburn, Oklahoma, to assist the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office with an alleged animal cruelty situation.
The Humane Society of the United States joins Hoosier animal shelters, rescues and local governments in strongly opposing HB 1412.
USDA/
2024 Horrible Hundred
Our annual report documenting 100 of the country's known puppy mills has been released for 2024
Take Action
There are an estimated 10,000 puppy mills across the country, where mother dogs spend their entire lives in cramped cages. Take action to help save puppies and their moms from suffering in these cruel mass-breeding operations.
Volunteer to rescue animals
Animal rescue volunteers work with our Animal Rescue Team to help save animals from cruelty and disasters. Apply now to get trained so we can count on you when disaster strikes.
Become a volunteer Humane Policy Leader!
Be an advocate for animals. Help advance federal, state and local animal protection legislation and policies.
Tell Petland to stop selling puppies
The national chain of pet stores (the last national chain to still sell dogs) has been linked to the cruel puppy mill industry. Urge Petland to go humane and stop selling puppies.
Dig Deeper
We're fighting to end the cruelty of high-volume dog breeding facilities that churn out puppies for profit. Learn more about the obstacles facing pups and their mothers and how you can help.
Want to buy a puppy? Protect yourself from greedy banks and pet stores.
The Horrible Hundred report is a list of known, problematic puppy breeding and/or puppy brokering facilities. It is not a list of all puppy mills, nor is it a list of the worst puppy mills in the country, but rather a list of dog breeders to avoid.
A writer helps our Animal Rescue Team save 250 dogs from cruel conditions at a puppy mill.
When looking for a puppy, please skip pet stores and internet sites to consider a dog from a shelter or rescue first.
Looking to add a pet to your family? Local animal shelters and rescue groups can be great places to search for a new cat, dog, bird, small animal—or even a horse or pig! Here’s how to go about it.
Resources to help you have the best life with your pet.
Stop puppy mills!
You can stop this cycle of cruelty by adopting your next pet. You can also donate to help shut down puppy mills and continue our lifesaving work for all animals.
Chuck Cook/For the HSUS