January 25, 2010
What You Can Do to Stop Puppy Mills
Help stop the cycle of cruelty
Michelle Riley/The HSUS
Get an education
Whether you're thinking about getting a dog, want to educate others about puppy mills or just want to learn more, check out FAQs about puppy mills and puppy buying tips.
Kids and teens: help stop puppy mills with A Cause for Paws.
Go online
Stop puppy mills by visiting our pages on Facebook and MySpace.
Help make your local pet store "puppy friendly"
The Puppy Friendly Pet Stores initiative asks dog lovers everywhere to work with their local pet stores to encourage them to develop and 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 »
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 »
Lobby for better laws
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.
Get "Stop Puppy Mills" stuff
Spread the word about puppy mills wherever you go with stickers, T-shirts, bookmarks, dog collars, and flyers.
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.
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 Good Dog Breeder" are designed to help potential pet owners avoid puppy mills.
Donate
Help The HSUS in our ongoing campaign to stop puppy mills. Please make a donation today.