With so many dog breeders throughout the world, it's important to choose wisely when you purchase your next pet. Unfortunately, although there are many reputable breeders, there are some who are not concerned with the well-being of the parents, puppies, or breeds. Among these unethical breeders are the owners of puppy mills. Puppy mills are large breeding operations designed to profit the breeder, and are the cause of senseless suffering for thousands of innocent animals every year.

Fortunately, officials are becoming more aware of puppy mills, and are conducting raids. A puppy mill raid usually begins by officials visiting suspected facilities to investigate the living conditions of the animals. They watch for insufficient food, unavailability of clean water, and animals living in literal filth. Raids may also find puppies and dogs in poor health, with open wounds, malnourishment, and unsocialized conditions. To witness this heartbreaking reality, please visit http://www.atdr.org/info/display?PageID=2415. Although officials are increasingly aware of these organizations, it is important for you as a consumer to keep a watchful eye out for puppy mills when purchasing your pet, and report any suspicious organizations immediately.

Often, the raids do not take place soon enough, and it is already too late to save some of the female dogs, who are prisoners to these facilities. Tremendous stress is put on the female dogs; they are usually bred from the very first time they come into heat, and they are bred consecutively each time they come into heat. Combined with the poor care these dogs already receive, it doesn't take long for a female dog to become so weak that she dies young.

You may be wondering, what keeps such a horrible crime in business? The answer is sad, but true. It is unknowing, innocent people like yourself, people who are simply looking for a new addition to their family. That's why it's so important for you to know what to look for when buying a puppy. Knowledgeable buyers are needed to avoid giving money to supporting these puppy mills. Hopefully, with knowledge and teamwork, we can make it harder and harder for these breeders to profit.

Helpful tips for avoiding puppy mills:

• If possible, visit the breeder’s breeding and housing facilities. If there are a large number of dogs and puppies, if the animals look sick or injured, or if the animals are living in pathetic conditions, you should leave immediately and report their practice to the local animal control or humane shelter.
   
• As strange as it may sound, avoid pet stores – many pet stores receive their animals from puppy mills because the puppies are cheaper and yield a larger profit. Working with puppy mills is also easier than working with legitimate breeders who care about the buyers of their puppies.
   
• Ask to see registration papers. AKC is one of the most reputable kennel clubs. You may also want to look at the family tree to see how many litters the mother has produced in comparison to her age. A female dog goes into heat twice a year, but she should not be bred each time. A five year old female who has had eight or nine litters is a usually a good indicator that you are dealing with a puppy mill.
   
• Last but not least, ALWAYS remember to trust your instincts – if you have a bad feeling about a particular breeder, then by all means don’t do business with them. Find a breeder you can trust, and there you will find the puppy of your dreams!