Sept. 20, 2025
By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director

Dogs at a breeding facility found in unsanitary conditions. Photo by USDA, 2022

September 20th is National Puppy Mill Awareness Day, an important reminder that behind many of those adorable puppies in pet store windows or in online ads lies a heartbreaking reality. And while most pet lovers would never knowingly support animal cruelty, millions of well-meaning families unknowingly purchase puppies from commercial breeding operations that prioritize profit over the wellbeing of dogs.

What Exactly is a Puppy Mill?

Puppy mills are large-scale, commercial dog breeding facilities, sometimes operating in a home or backyard, that treat mother dogs like production units and puppies like merchandise rather than living, feeling companions. In these operations, mother dogs are typically kept in cramped, stacked wire cages, breeding litter after litter with little to no veterinary care, socialization, or basic comfort. The puppies they produce are often shipped across the country to pet stores while still very young, exposing them to stress, disease, and poor conditions during transport.

Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States, reports that an estimated 10,000 puppy mills operate across the United States, producing over 2 million puppies annually. Meanwhile, nearly 3 million dogs enter shelters and rescue organizations each year, with 29% of those being puppies who desperately need homes.

Here’s what many dog lovers don’t realize: responsible breeders rarely, if ever, sell their puppies to pet stores or in online ads. Ethical breeders want to meet potential families personally, see where their puppies will live, and maintain lifelong relationships with puppy buyers. When you see a puppy for sale in a pet store or in an online ad, the chances are extremely high that the puppy came from a puppy mill or commercial breeding operation.

Pet stores and online suppliers often use misleading terms like “USDA licensed” or “professional breeders” to make their puppy sources sound reputable. However, USDA licensing simply means meeting minimum survival standards, not humane care standards. And even facilities with multiple violations can continue operating and selling puppies.

Before falling in love with that pet store puppy, consider this: animal shelters and rescue organizations are overflowing with wonderful dogs of all ages, sizes, and even purebreds. In fact, about 25% of dogs in shelters are purebreds, not to mention breed-specific rescues. These dogs have often been health-checked, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and evaluated for temperament by experienced shelter staff.

Mixed-breed dogs from shelters also tend to have fewer genetic health problems than many purebreds, as they don’t carry the concentrated genetic issues that can plague dogs bred for specific physical traits. Plus, when you adopt from a shelter, you’re literally saving a life and making space for another animal to be rescued.

But sometimes families have their hearts set on a specific breed due to allergies, living situations, or other factors. If you must purchase a puppy from a breeder, do your homework:

A dog at a breeding kennel, where the USDA has found more than 140 sick and injured animals over the years. Photo by USDA, 2022

Research: The Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) maintains a “Horrible Hundred” report that lists 100 problem puppy breeders and dealers in the United States. The report is published annually to educate consumers about common problems at puppy mills, and to promote enhanced laws and stronger humane law enforcement. You can also search the breeder’s name and location to find any existing reports or problems.

Visit in person: Never buy a puppy without seeing where they were born and raised. Reputable breeders will welcome you into their home and be proud to show you their facilities.

Meet the parents: Ask to see at least the mother dog. She should appear healthy, well-socialized, and comfortable around people.

Ask questions: Good breeders will interview you extensively to make sure you’re a good fit. They’ll also provide health and breed paperwork and be available for advice after you take the puppy home.

Avoid red flags: Be wary of breeders who always have puppies available, offer multiple breeds, won’t let you see the breeding facilities, or want to meet you in a parking lot or ship the puppy sight-unseen.

Right here in Aiken and in surrounding towns, there are so many wonderful dogs available for adoption who would love to be part of your family. And this Thursday, the SPCA Albrecht Center is waiving all adoption fees, thanks to grant funding from the ASPCA’s “Rescue Effect” campaign.

Pocky, Taki & Kassie are all available for adoption at the SPCA!

This campaign’s message is simple but powerful: “Adopt One, Help Many.” When you adopt one shelter pet, you don’t just change that animal’s life – you open up space for another pet to be rescued. That’s the true Rescue Effect in action.

Visit us at 199 Willow Run Road in Aiken or check out our available pets at LetLoveLive.org. Together, we can put puppy mills out of business by choosing compassion over commerce. 🐾

Sarah Neikam is the Marketing Director for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She has been with the organization since 2012, holding various roles including Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Operations & HR. A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator as of 2022, Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband, Tom, and several beloved cats.