No one can deny that puppies are adorable. However, instead of asking “How much is that puppy in the window?”, perhaps the more pertinent question is “Where did that puppy in the window come from?”

If the window is in a pet store, that puppy may very well have come from a puppy mill. In fact, 99% of the puppies sold in pet stores originate from puppy mills. There are also feline versions of puppy mills that sell kittens.

The Link Between Puppy Mills and Pet Stores

Puppy mills have received a lot of media attention. For instance Oprah Winfrey spotlighted the puppy mill issue on one of her television shows. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the Best Friends Animal Society have all launched national campaigns aimed at educating consumers about the link between pet stores and puppy mills.

Unfortunately, according to a recent survey undertaken by the ASPCA, though 75% of respondents said they view puppy mills in a negative light, 78% “told interviewers they believe that puppies sold in pet stores come from such places as shelters, or private owners whose pets had litters, or that they really have no idea where the animals come from.”

Why Not Buy a Puppy from a Pet Store?

There are many reasons to avoid purchasing a puppy from a pet store. One of the best reasons is because your purchase is helping a puppy mill stay in business.

In addition, puppy mill puppies are often not healthy.

• The vast majority carry parasites, some of which may be contagious to you and your family.
• They may suffer from infectious diseases, such as parvovirus or “kennel cough.”
• Genetic defects are common as well. Puppy mills pay no attention to the genetic suitability of the adults they breed.

These types of illnesses and defects can mean unexpected expenses and heartbreak for your family. In some cases, these animals may be sick enough that they do not survive.

Pet Shops and Rescues

Fortunately, there is some hope. Some pet stores have discontinued selling live puppies and kittens in favor of featuring puppies and kittens (in addition to adult dogs and cats) from local shelters and rescues that are available for adoption.

This has several benefits. These pet stores are no longer contributing to the profitability of puppy mills. They are also providing a valuable service to the community and saving animal lives at the same time.

Are Pet Shops the Only Avenue for Puppy Mills to Sell Their Puppies?

Puppy mills frequently offer their puppies for sale online as well. By selling online, they are able to hide behind anonymity, with most buyers being totally unaware that the “breeder” they are purchasing from is, in reality, a puppy mill.

There is a difference between a respectable breeder and a puppy mill. Respectable and responsible breeders consider the needs of the animals in their charge. Puppy mills do not. Their only concern is profit.

Before you purchase a puppy online, do your research. Respectable breeders allow people to enter their premises and see where the puppies have been raised. They allow prospective buyers to see the dam (mother dog) and the sire (father dog), if he is on the premises. They do not ship puppies cross country to buyers who have never seen the new puppy.

If you are considering bringing a new puppy into your household, avoid purchasing a puppy that came from a puppy mill. Either adopt from a local shelter/rescue or locate a responsible breeder. Don’t become a victim and don’t support the continuation of the puppy mill industry.

Photo Courtesy of AirBeagle/Flickr.com