Want to buy a puppy? Beware of puppy mills!

Dreaming of an adorable puppy? Fantastic! But before rushing to buy a dog from the first breeder you find, make sure they follow legal and ethical breeding practices. Unfortunately, many people unknowingly end up buying from **puppy mills**, where animal welfare comes second to profit. Why should you avoid puppy mills, and how can you recognize them? Read all about it in this article!

What is a puppy mill breeder? Let’s start with the basics. A puppy mill breeder is someone who focuses solely on profit, often at the expense of animal welfare and legal regulations.

Can breeders make money? Of course! But the health and well-being of the animals should always come first. Ethical breeders invest time, care, and resources into their dogs, ensuring they are well-socialized, healthy, and ready for a loving home.

Puppy mills are all about money—nothing else.

Buying a puppy from a puppy mill breeder comes with serious risks.

At first, your puppy may seem healthy, but later on, health or behavioral issues can arise due to poor breeding practices. Many of these dogs are raised in filthy, stressful, and even traumatic conditions.

The mother dogs in puppy mills are often treated as nothing more than breeding machines—forced to have litter after litter. Once they are "used up," they are often discarded or euthanized.

By buying from a responsible breeder or adopting from a shelter, you’re choosing a healthier, happier future for your dog and taking a stand against this cruel industry!

The downside of rescuing a puppy from a puppy mill

Even if you’re lucky and your puppy turns out healthy, puppy mills are still something you should never support. Even if you’re aware of the problem and want to “rescue” a puppy, you’re still contributing to the continuation of this cruel industry.

Be strong—choose a responsible, registered breeder and help put an end to puppy mills once and for all!

How to recognize a puppy mill breeder

Puppy mills are ruthless sellers who are skilled at smooth-talking their way into your trust. They are also aware that the pressure is increasing, so they know exactly how to appear reliable.

Some clear red flags include a significantly lower price than competitors or the offer to have the puppy delivered to your home. If you are allowed to pick up the puppy yourself but the breeder refuses to show you the mother dog or the living conditions of the puppies, it’s a serious warning sign.

Additionally, if the breeder cannot provide proper certification, a pet passport, or a pedigree document, it’s best to walk away immediately.

Buying a Dog the Right Way

When searching for a dog online, be sure to ask the breeder critical questions. Inquire about their experience, request photos or videos of the mother dog with the puppies, and ask about the pet passport.

Want to learn more about puppy mills? Visit www.gaia.be.