Many of us dream of bringing home a furry friend, and with the rise of the internet, countless websites offer a seemingly convenient solution: buying a puppy online. However, the truth behind these platforms is often shrouded in misleading marketing and questionable practices.
Promises and Confusing Labels:
While no website explicitly admits to using puppy mills, many love to boast about “no puppy mill” policies and “zero tolerance” claims. These statements lack transparency and fail to define what constitutes “unethical breeding” in their eyes.
The “USDA” Facade:
Licensed USDA commercial dog breeders are located in almost every state in the U.S. It is estimated that there are close to 250,000 dogs in these breeding facilities. USDA licensed commercial breeders are the ones that can legally sell and ship puppies online, sight unseen. Some websites claim they only use USDA dog breeders to supply their puppies. USDA breeders are the ones the pet industry shockingly, presents and refers to as “reputable,” “family-run,” “home breeder,” “vetted” and “responsible,” to name a few. Websites such as Puppy Spot are actually licensed as USDA Dog Dealers. Being licensed as a Dog Dealer in our opinion is a huge red flag. Unfortunately, legal certification and licensing by the USDA does not guarantee ethical breeding practices.
Misleading Terminology:
As mentioned, websites selling puppies often employ a vocabulary that can deceive and be misleading. Terms like “responsible,” “hand picked,” “home breeder,” “5 star breeder,” “pre-screened” and “vetted” are thrown around liberally, creating a sense of security for potential buyers.
Unveiling the Business Behind the Cuteness:
Let’s be clear: the primary motivation behind online puppy sales is profit. There is also a lack of transparency. In addition, many websites operate under the umbrella of “sister sites,” that are owned or associated to each other essentially multiplying their online presence to increase sales volume.
Online puppy broker websites like Puppy Spot explain the issue well. They boast about selling thousands and thousands of puppies which speaks volumes. Puppy Spot shares ownership or is associated with Uptown Puppies, highlighting the interconnected nature of these high volume businesses.
The puppy broker website Pawrade, operates alongside a “sister site” called Next Day Pets, both boasting sales of thousands of puppies annually. This high-volume approach raises serious concerns about individual puppy care and breeding practices. They even have their own inhouse payment system.
The Deceptive World of Doodles:
Websites like Crockett Doodles use words like “family-raised” and “socialized with children.” However, the presence of ten other websites leading to their checkout cart paints a different picture, raising questions about transparency and actual breeding practices. They also state right on their website that you may not meet the mother dog.
Classified Ad and Billboard Platforms:
Classified and billboard type platforms such as Greenfield Puppies, Keystone Puppies, Buckeye Puppies and Lancaster Puppies seem to operate as glorified middlemen. These sites are known to employ photographers that go to the puppy farms to photograph and name the puppies, they are then listed for sale online. The puppy farmers are given sheets with the puppies names as they are known online so they know who the customers are calling about. These platforms connect buyers with breeders, all for a fee. The breeder is in charge of the actual sale. Many of these websites will even arrange for the transport for an extra fee.
Companies like the above mentioned and Puppies.com (formerly PuppyFind, Google that!) are businesses. Reading the fine print of disclaimers state they do not verify the quality of breeders or sellers. Stop Online Puppy Mills was recently contacted by a family who bought a puppy on Greenfield Puppies and the person selling the dog was posing as the breeder. The puppy was sick so the family investigated further, she was not the breeder and did not disclose it.
The Bottom Line: See it to Believe it:
We strongly advise against purchasing a puppy through any website including the ones mentioned above. The only way to truly ensure ethical practices is to meet the mother dog in person, assess her mental and physical well-being, and see in person the living conditions for both her and the other breeding dogs. Responsible breeders are proud of the way they raise their dogs. If the breeder you are working with has excuses, consider that a red flag and either find a new breeder or rescue.
Remember:
Don’t be swayed by empty promises or misleading labels.
Demand transparency and prioritize ethical breeding practices.
Seeing is believing: meet the mother dog and see in person where she lives. Video feeds and photos do not take the place of seeing in person.
By staying informed and making informed choices, we can collectively work towards ending the cruel practices of puppy mills and ensuring the responsible and loving treatment of all animals.
Together, let’s champion responsible pet ownership and put an end to puppy mill cruelty.
PUPPIES ARE ADORABLE, PUPPY MILLS ARE HORRIBLE.
Additional Resources:
Stop Online Puppy Mills: https://www.stoponlinepuppymills.org/
