How You Can Help Stop Puppy Mills

Puppy mills continue because consumers often never see the conditions in which breeding dogs live. You can help by educating others, refusing to buy puppies sight unseen, meeting the mother dog, reporting concerns, supporting stronger laws and sharing reliable information.

At Stop Online Puppy Mills, we believe that education is the fastest and most effective way to end the cruelty of puppy mills. Anyone can make a difference—whether it’s by spreading awareness, making ethical choices, or taking action in your community. Below are several impactful ways you can help protect dogs from the horrors of puppy mills and create a more humane world.

Educate Others About Puppy Mills

Be a voice for the voiceless. Sharing the truth about where many puppies really come from is one of the most powerful actions you can take.

• Talk to friends, family, and neighbors about the reality of puppy mills.
• Encourage students to research puppy mills for school projects, speeches, or term papers.
• Use our website as a trusted source of information or contact us if you need help or additional resources.
• Volunteer to distribute printed materials in your community to spread awareness locally.
• Visit our Puppy Mill Education page for downloadable lesson plans and kids activities.

Use Social Media to Raise Awareness

Social media is a powerful tool to educate and inspire action.

• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X @StopPupEMills.
• Share our posts, videos, and stories to educate your network.
• Watch and share our We the Puppies educational video campaign to help more puppy buyers understand what they should see before they pay.

Every share spreads awareness and helps interrupt the cycle of cruelty.

Never Buy a Puppy Online

Buying a puppy online may seem convenient—but it often supports puppy mills.

• Most online puppy sellers source from commercial breeding facilities with poor living conditions.
• Puppies are frequently taken from their mothers too early, packed in crates, and shipped long distances.
• Many buyers receive sick puppies—or no puppy at all.

Please, never buy a puppy online. If a website won’t let you meet the breeder or see where the puppy was raised, walk away.

Adopt or Rescue Your Next Dog

There are thousands of loving, adoptable dogs waiting in shelters and rescue groups.

• Over 25% of shelter dogs are purebred. Many others are lovable mixed breeds (aka “designer dogs”).
• You can find dogs of every breed through breed-specific rescue groups.
• Visit Petfinder.com to search shelters and rescues near you.

Adopting saves lives and breaks the puppy mill cycle.

Take Action Through Legislation

Your voice can help change the laws and legislation that protect animals.

• Contact your local and state legislators and share your thoughts on puppy mills and pet store puppy sales.
• Support or oppose legislation related to animal welfare, breeding regulations, and pet sales.
• Stay informed through our email alerts and newsletters.

Lawmakers listen to their constituents—make sure they hear from you.

Sign Up for our Newsletter

Stay up to date on:

• Puppy mill legislation and bills
• Campaigns and success stories
• Pet adoption events and ways to help

Sign up for our Newsletter. (We never share your information.)

Report a Puppy Mill or Suspicious Breeder

If you believe you’ve encountered a puppy mill—online or in person—don’t stay silent.

• Report websites or breeders you suspect of unethical practices.
• Share your story with us to help warn and educate others.

Click here to report a puppy mill or share your story.

Donate to Support Our Campaigns

Stop Online Puppy Mills is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ending puppy mills through consumer education and advocacy.

• Your donation directly funds our digital ad campaigns, which intercept potential puppy buyers online and redirect them toward adoption or ethical breeders.
• We are a volunteer-driven organization—100% of your gift goes toward advancing our mission.

Make a tax-deductible donation today.
Together, we’re saving puppies—one click at a time.