Interactive Map Shows Which Pet Stores Support Puppy Mills

Monday, September 10, 2012 - 3:45pm

Does your local pet store help perpetuate animal cruelty? The sad reality is…many do. You see, most puppies sold in pet store come from puppy mills. So if your pet store has a slew of roly-poly pups for sale, chances are it supports a very cruel industry. To make matters worse, by giving stores that sell puppies your business, you’re actually supporting puppy mills, too!

“Most people just don’t realize that pet store puppies come from puppy mills,” says Cori Menkin, ASPCA Senior Director of our Puppy Mills Campaign, “and that by shopping for pet supplies at stores that sell puppies, you’re actually supporting puppy mills.”

Take Action
We’re here to help! Our new interactive map shows pet stores across the country that sell puppies. All you have to do is pledge not to shop at them.

“It’s an easy action that takes a big stand against puppy mills,” explains Menkin. “If a store sells puppies, don't buy anything there—not pet food, kitty litter, squeaky toys—nothing.”

So where can you shop? Not to worry—we have a second map dedicated to highlighting the awesome pet stores that work with local shelters to offer dogs for adoption. Check ‘em out!

Tags: 
Animal Cruelty
Puppy Mills
Take Action

Comments

Mon, 09/10/2012 - 20:04 — DONNA PADIN (Visitor)
all puppy mill should be closed asap, the shelters are full of nice dogs that needs homes, why make more for the shelters after the people gets tired of their pets

Mon, 09/10/2012 - 21:44 — Taryn Gibbons (Visitor)
i agree; puppy mills are appalling. filth, disease, animals that are overbred for profit, just sickening. i love my rescue babies and when the time comes (and my baby passes) i will 'get adopted' by another rescue.

Tue, 05/07/2013 - 17:37 — Judy Hill (Visitor)
Ditto, I could not have said it better myself!

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 13:21 — Diana Beall (Visitor)
Close all puppy mills and put their owners in jail for a very long time. Maybe make them do a community service by going around town picking up dog crap for several months.

Mon, 09/10/2012 - 20:29 — barbara melton (Visitor)
puppy mills are horrendous...no excuse for allowing this cruelty to animals.

Mon, 09/10/2012 - 20:31 — Cooper (Visitor)
Please don't support puppy mills the animals have done nothing wrong and they do not deserve to be having there life only usefull when they are breeding other dogs. Puppy Mills are cruel should be stopped hopefully if you have or participated in supporting puppy mills or the pet stores that frequent them you will stop and actually think for a moment. Why do you think it is ok to treat these poor animals like that? If you do participate in these and you are reading this you are probably thinking"i dont need to listen to this 11 year old kid because i am a grown up and i am smarter than him"i hope you see that puppy mills are wrong and abusive and need to be stopped!

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 10:08 — Lisa Jarvis (Visitor)
Kids still have a heart and common sense. Cooper the 11 year old knows best. Way to go, Cooper. Picket your local pet store!!

Tue, 05/07/2013 - 15:41 — Rose (Visitor)
Oh Cooper you just made my day, I am glad to know that the younger generation is aware of what is going on and working to let others know! Go COOPER!

Mon, 09/10/2012 - 20:36 — Laura Moran (Visitor)
I've had dogs since 1967 & I've never gotten one from a pet store. I didn't know back then what was wrong with most pet stores, but now that I do, I never will. 3yrs. ago I went to the local shelter & got an 8yr. old cat. He's great!

Mon, 09/10/2012 - 21:39 — Meaghan Edwards (Visitor)
For petstores to sell, rather than adopt out, pets. Even small animals suffer as a result of mills. The big box pet stores which promote dog and cat adoptions, source their small animals from mills. Adopt, don't shop.

Mon, 09/10/2012 - 22:13 — Carol Wetmore (Visitor)
Fancy Pups in Avenel, NJ has many charges against him. Our (in my opinion) Woodbridge, NJ is a crooked town. Evem the Mayor Mac won't shut him down.

Tue, 09/11/2012 - 03:27 — Huskerdog (Visitor)
Petland at 12005 West Center Rd, Omaha has been out of business for a while. the storefront is cleaned out and up for rent. Yay!

Tue, 09/11/2012 - 07:56 — Susan B. (Visitor)
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for putting together this information. Now if the rest of us will share this information and get the word out maybe we can shut the puppy mills down. If people don't buy they cannot survive!

Wed, 09/12/2012 - 14:57 — heidi (Visitor)
the thing is what happens to this puppies if no one buy them see no one thinks ya shut them down they will keep going no its not far put its the fact. This puppies from puppy mills they r destroyed i had one that i rescued they do not know what out doors r they r like someone with anxcity sometimes they wont sevive i know mine did even though u treat it like a normal dog well u get it. The point i try to make is puppy mills r all over who do u trust.

Tue, 09/11/2012 - 19:14 — RebC (Visitor)
Would you please review and confirm that the information provided here is completely factual? You are listing major corporations, slandering their names, but I fail to see any proof. The PetSmart page has a link to pair people with dogs, you can search by any parameters, and the website leads you to, most often, a grown dog, not a puppy. not a cage of puppies. But a dog with a story, a dog that needs a home. This does not impress me as a company supporting "puppy mills"

Thu, 09/13/2012 - 11:03 — sandy (Visitor)
I agree. The Pet Smarts in my area promote adoption from local shelters and rescues.

Tue, 05/07/2013 - 16:01 — Michelle Fistek (Visitor)
What are you looking at? All the PetSmarts in my area have green check marks meaning they are ok to shop at, they don't sell puppies!

Wed, 05/08/2013 - 12:05 — Just Me (Visitor)
I agree. I know for a fact that many of these stores are chain stores, and they work with some of our local Colorado shelters to find homes for shelter dogs and cats, plus rabbits, birds, hamsters, etc.

Wed, 09/12/2012 - 14:46 — heidi (Visitor)
what is going on im getting really upset. I keep adopting and rescuing because animals need someone to love them. do not understand this where ther voice we fight and then shelters turn agenst this animals and kill them when thats suppose to be a safe place wrong. There just as bad as puppy mills and petstores and animale abusers. I really wish instead of all this people talking how bad all this stuff is rescue save them. i know i will rescue and rescue .

Thu, 09/13/2012 - 09:15 — Dorothy (Visitor)
Shelters don't really have much of a choice to euthanize because of over population. You can blame this on the people that don't spay or neuter their pets and those that let their pets wander unsterilized,not to mention back yard breeders

Tue, 05/07/2013 - 16:08 — Michelle Fistek (Visitor)
You have been fed a lie. Shelters who kill for space are just too lazy to promote adoption, find adopters in other states, have retention programs, do tnr and so forth. These beautiful animals do NOT have to die! Shelters in my state, New Hampshire are pretty much all no kill--if we can do it, so can other states!Or see the good folks at Yonkers Animal Shelter. Don't believe the nay sayers--no kill IS possible. Blame lazy shelter administrators and those who slaughter perfectly adoptable pets! Even the ASPCA should be ashamed of itself for not supporting No Kill shelters and the No Kill movement.

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 16:45 — Gail (Visitor)
Not all shelters kill animals. Some have become 100% No-Kill. Our local used to be the city pound where killing animals was commonplace. Several citizens worked with ACO and changed the pound to our no-kill shelter. People need to unite in a common cause to change these shelters. Most importantly - SPAY/NEUTER YOUR PETS!!! It will also help eleviate overpopulation.

Tue, 05/21/2013 - 16:00 — Beverly (Visitor)
No way can you compare a stinking puppy mill with shelters!!! Shelters do not breed...and sell puppies... There's are lots of high kill shelters because stupid people refuse to spay and neuter their dogs and cats... It's a terrible problem in the United States... If people would adopt from shelters or rescues then theses poor animals would not be pts!!! There are lots of good shelters along with bad ones.. There are NO good puppy mills. We need to get laws changed.. There are worse things than death for some of these poor animals... Living in these hell hole puppy mills where they are starved, never given medical care. Living in piles of feces and urine is way worse then death... Get involved with your local shelter... Speak up for the animals you could really make a difference..

Thu, 09/13/2012 - 02:25 — Willow (Visitor)
This is wrong. I was at one of the "do not shop here" stores this past weekend, a mom & pop local pet store which is being put out of business by the new PetSmart that just moved into town. They were very careful to tell exactly where their puppies come from, who the parent dogs are, contact info for the breeders with photos of their facilities, and how much the animals are loved and properly taken care of. ASPCA, you cannot paint ALL puppy sales with a big red boycott brush and contribute to killing a small independent pet store in our community.

Thu, 09/13/2012 - 11:05 — sandy (Visitor)
I do not disagree with you, but even a puppy mill can have a pretty "healthy, loving" cover.

Tue, 05/21/2013 - 16:03 — Beverly (Visitor)
Oh yes the web pages are beautiful but the conditions the dogs live in you will never see.. I have seen them.

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 13:49 — Jean Freely (Visitor)
Here's why I don't trust that mom and pop pet store -- what sort of reputable breeder would hand over their puppies for a 3rd party to sell their dogs? Is this place really in that tiny percent of stores (less than 97%) that aren't from mills? I'd feel better to just have rescue groups at petstores and better to be rescuing/saving than buying anyway... Like they say, "when you buy a shelter animal dies."

Tue, 05/07/2013 - 22:15 — p (Visitor)
If the puppy is being sold in a pet store, I don't care WHAT the "breeder" says or shows you---they are in it for the money and don't care WHO or WHAT buys the puppy or if you take it home and eat it, as long as they get their money. This is no better thana puppy mill, it may simply be just ona smaller scale. NO DECENT HUMAN BEING WOULD SUPPLY PUPPIES FOR ANY PET STORE, INTERNET, OR FLEA MARKET SALE.

Thu, 09/13/2012 - 13:43 — Lauren (Visitor)
I'm 100% for stopping puppy mills. I just worry when articles and maps like this come out calling out pet stores. Where does the inforamtion come from? Claiming a store uses puppy mills has become a statement that carries weight. While I work with rescues and organizations that work to end puppy mills, I also support fact based claims.

Tue, 05/21/2013 - 16:04 — Beverly (Visitor)
Do your research.. Puppy mills are being busted all the time... Just had one in Tylertown MS

Thu, 09/13/2012 - 15:40 — sonya (Visitor)
I do not know a single responsible breeder that would sell a litter to a pet store. Responsible breeders interview potential owners, may do a home visit, and generally make them sign contracts. They also usually do follow ups after the sale. There is no way a RB would send puppies someplace that they did not know or have control over what family is allowed to buy their puppy/ies! It can be hard to know the difference between a responsible breeder and a back yard breeder, but ALL pet store puppies (other than those being shown in the adoption center by a sanctioned 501c group) ARE from puppy mills. Some mills are run better than others & treat the animals better, but they are still just dog farms.

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 10:27 — Michelle Tyrcha (Visitor)
ALL puppy mills need to be put out of business because of the cruelty inflicted on their parents and them. With all the dogs in shelters the pet stores should be working with the shelters not promoting these awful puppy mills!

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 10:34 — Michelle (Visitor)
Find out who your representatives are and ask them to make puppy mills illegal. Taking action is the only way to bring about change.

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 11:51 — Donald (Visitor)
Rhetorical question: How to teach a human to realize recognize acknowledge the inate sentient nature of other animals? An animal is not a toy any more or less than is your daughter or son. An animal does not run on batteries or a power cord. An animal does need affection, food & water & waste needs, sleep and play. Seems human but better, trusting, not devious. Be responsible and respectful of all life.

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 12:24 — Tammi (Visitor)
The link doesn't work. Takes me to a page that "cannot be displayed".

Tue, 05/21/2013 - 16:06 — Beverly (Visitor)
Yes it does I just looked at it

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 12:26 — JB (Visitor)
I was shocked to see so many places to BUY an animal. We as Americans are the reason so many are in business. STOP BUYING animals from any business that insists on making a living at selling living breathing animals and those are the ones you see. The parents of these animals are the ones suffering such horrible lives. It has to end and once we realize we are the problem it will! We are humans so lets show we are humane!

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 12:38 — Denise (Visitor)
I did not realize that there was so many pet stores or places that sold pets that had anything to do with puppy mills here in Illinois. I will make sure that I do not go to these stores for my dogs supplies. PUPPY MILLS NEED TO BE DESTROYED AND OUTLAWED. ANY PUPPY MILLS FOUND; THE OWNERS SHOULD BE JAILED FOR A LONG TIME AND FINED A VERY STIFF AND HIGH FINE.

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 13:10 — Hillary (Visitor)
Adam's Feed Store in Arlington, TX is absolutely DEPLORABLE. The puppies are crammed into cages, and there's no AC. NONE. I've even witnessed one of the workers there kick the cage when one of the dogs was whining. This was in front of a full line of customers. Needless to say, I walked out and left. I wish they would get shut down!!

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 13:26 — mcd (Visitor)
I wholeheartedly agree that puppy mills should be shut down and people who breed animals ruthlessly should be punished. However, whenever I drive past my local pet store (which is part of franchise that has been accused of purchasing puppies from mills) I can't help but wonder what will happen to those puppies if no one buys them ? Do they end up in shelters ?? At some point in time they must be too old to be sold as puppies and without being fostered, have no training etc., so what is their fate ? I am not being sarcastic, I'm serious. I worry about them.

Tue, 05/21/2013 - 11:10 — Clint (Visitor)
Most mill puppies that don't sell are either shot,drowned, or condemned to a life as a breeder.

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 16:23 — Meaghan (Visitor)
Shelburne Pet Center in Shelbyville KY DOES NOT sell animals! It is a dog grooming, daycare and boarding business. There is an animal RESCUE there, called Tyson's Chance Animal Foundation. These animals are up for ADOPTION, but there have never been dogs "sold" here. Please go to www.tysonschance.com if you would like to see for yourself. Thanks.

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 16:39 — Cindy (Visitor)
OMG. I am so ashamed to be from Ohio. LOOK at that! You cannot even see the damn state!

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 16:50 — Melody (Visitor)
I have never adopted a pet from a pet store before and never will. I adopted my baby from an animal shelter. I felt so sorry for her that day. She was the only dog that wasn't barking or jumping up on the gate. She was sitting alone in a corner of the cage. I wasn't planning to buy a dog that day, but I am glad I did. I've had her for 9 years now and she has made me happy everyday since. So remember the dog that isn't adopted from a shelter could be killed for no reason. These dogs need your love and attention.

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 21:06 — Deanna (Visitor)
North MS. Pet Supply does NOT sell puppies from puppy mills. They have locally bred puppies from responsible breeders. The puppies are all ACK or CKC registered also. They will tell you a breeder name (or give a phone number if they have the ability) most times if you just ask. Just thought I'd let everyone know. They also have kittens/adult cats for adoption from the local humane society. Some people want purebred dogs (I personally think a shelter dog is the way to go but still...) and as long as they're not getting them from a puppy mill, that's alright with me as long as they're getting them spayed/neutered and not breeding them. The owners of North MS. Pet Supply are very responsible and all the staff are knowledgeable.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 19:27 — vicki (Visitor)
CKC is a breeder registry for puppymills.

Sat, 09/15/2012 - 03:00 — Marie Willcox (Visitor)
This story showing the map of stores supporting puppy mills is disgraceful, it is about time the goverment became stronger, stop pussy footing around and closed the damned mills, this is why America is so over run with strays and abandoned dogs that are no good for breeding. most come from those mills with illnesses and deformaties, it is heart breaking, and also to read that 5 million are put to sleep every year because they have not home is appaling.

Sat, 09/15/2012 - 07:50 — TS (Visitor)
I agree that puppy mills are horrible and I won't buy from stores that support them. There are pet stores who have started selling shelter dogs, which I think is fantastic and I supppot those efforts.

Sat, 09/15/2012 - 08:58 — Mickey Jones (Visitor)
Bonnett Pet Store in Lubbock, TX. no longer sales animals!!! South Plains Mall is owned by the Macerich Corp., which made all their malls stop last yr. So, the only place left in Lubbock is PetsPlus and local groups are working on getting them closed down!!

Sat, 09/15/2012 - 12:27 — Charmaine (Visitor)
My god the map is coved with pet stores all across the united states I live in Pennsylvania where there are alot of them .. I agree shut them down I feel so sad for the poor animals that come from them. My sister bought a dog from a pet store and she loved her dearly but had nothin but vet bills .. After 10 years old she see passed away from problems .. All pet stores should be out lawed ..

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