We have all seen horror stories about how cruel animals can be and are treated. We promise that we will never give rise to such forms of cruelty as a form of punishment or subject our pets to such terrible living conditions. On a larger scale, puppy mills are notorious for mistreating animals. Animal organizations are fighting puppy mills and warning people not to continue funding the industry. But, since you can’t blame the animals, is it ever okay to adopt from a mill?

Recently, a large puppy mill was raided in Tennessee. Nearly 700 puppies were rescued by the Humane Society, and those in good health were sent to animal shelters for adoption. People lined up outside the shelters to offer the puppies a loving home. This raid was the largest ever conducted in Tennessee and has enlightened many people to the true conditions of a puppy mill.

So what is the difference between a breeder and a mill? In general, breeders are proud of their animals. They raise the animals with health and temperament in mind, and don’t separate them from their mother too soon. They allow bitches an adequate amount of time between litters. The dogs are purebred and live in favorable conditions. If you have ever tried to buy a dog directly from a breeder, then you know how difficult it can be. Often a breeder will not give an animal to just anyone who wants it. A mill, on the other hand, breeds dogs for money. Living conditions are so poor (multiple animals confined to a small area, little to no preparation, and little food) that animals often develop health problems early on. Bitches are often forced to breed every heat cycle, which affects the health of the mother and the litter. Young puppies have wings too early. While the dogs may appear to be purebred, the paperwork is often forged.

When an animal organization stresses the importance of not funding the industry, then you may wonder who exactly is funding the whole thing. If you’ve ever bought a puppy from a pet store or backyard breeder, you may have contributed. In the past, pet retailers were known to buy their puppies from factories. Puppies are cheaper and the mill claims pedigree. Now, fewer stores buy from the mills, but sometimes the mill puppies run away. Factory staff often masquerade as reputable breeders and offer purebred puppies with pedigree information. The stores then buy the puppies (putting money into the puppy mill) and you, in turn, buy the puppy from the store. Due to sales, the store continues to buy from the “breeder”.

Many people go straight to the store when they want a purebred puppy, believing that the store can prove the pedigree. In reality, the factories often falsify the information. If you are looking for a purebred puppy, go directly to a breeder. Pay attention to the conditions at the breeder’s facility. There is a big difference between a reputable breeder and a backyard breeder. Backyard breeders show poor living conditions; they are very similar to small-scale mills. A true breeder will show love and care for the animals. They may watch how you interact with the pup and ask you a lot of questions about the pup’s possible living conditions. If the breeder feels that you are not a good match and you leave without a puppy, don’t feel bad. Perhaps a different breed of dog would be a better fit for your lifestyle.

If you’re not looking for a thoroughbred, check out your local animal shelters. There, you can find dogs that were rescued from a mill or similar living conditions. You can also find breed-specific shelters that offer purebred puppies. Adopting from an animal shelter means one less dog will be euthanized.

So is it ever okay to get a puppy from a mill? The answer is no, unless the mill dog ends up in a shelter. Adopting a rescue dog is very different from buying the dog (directly or indirectly) from a mill. No, it’s not the dog’s fault, but your money will only ensure that the mill continues to abuse. Find breeders in your area and schedule visits. You can also visit your local animal shelter to find a dog that is right for you.