January 7, 2013

Seven Ways You Can Stop Puppy Mills

You are the key to stopping the cycle of cruelty

The Humane Society of the United States

Michelle Riley/The HSUS

You can make a difference for the dogs suffering in puppy mills. Here are seven ways you can take action. 

1. Help make your local pet store puppy friendly

The Puppy Friendly Pet Storesinitiative asks dog lovers everywhere to help their local pet stores implement puppy friendly policies by refusing to sell puppies in their store and supporting homeless pet adoptions instead.

Stores that already do not sell puppies can sign up to show that they are taking a stand against puppy mills and to make official their policy of not selling puppies. Learn more here » 

2. Be an advocate

There are many things you can do to help dogs in puppy mills. "An Advocate's Guide to Stopping Puppy Mills" is a good place to start with many ideas that can propel you into action. "A Guide to Using Local Ordinances to Combat Puppy Mills" is designed to help you work for the passage of local laws in your own community that will improve the lives of dogs in puppy mills.

Download "An Advocate's Guide to Stopping Puppy Mills" »
Download "A Guide to Using Local Ordinances to Combat Puppy Mills" »

Or, you may order the more extensive kit that includes the guide as well as everything you'll need to start spreading the word about puppy mills in your community, including printed materials, letter templates, tips for developing legislation and activity ideas. The kit is designed to help you discuss the puppy mill issue accurately and intelligently, whether speaking to friends and family or the local media: $3 each. Download the order form »

3. Contact your legislators

Contact your federal and state legislators and let them know that you're concerned about the inhumane treatment of dogs in puppy mills and want the puppy mill issue to be a priority for Congress. Ask them to expand the reach of the Animal Welfare Act to include kennels that sell large numbers of puppies directly to the public.

4. Speak up

Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper is a great way to get the word out about puppy mills in your community. Write your own version—a short, polite letter is most effective—or download a Microsoft Word version of the template that you can alter.

5. Furnish your vet with flyers

Download and print these flyers and bring them to your veterinarian or groomer's office:"Getting a Puppy?" and "How to Find a Responsible Dog Breeder" are designed to help potential pet owners avoid puppy mills.

6. Inform your community

Ask your local library to put up an educational display about puppy mills, a subject relevant year-round. Email us for materials.

7. Shop Humane Domain

Speak up for puppy mill dogs by wearing our Stop Puppy Mills cause gear, found at our online store, Humane Domain. Go shopping.