Commercial puppy mills prioritize volume over welfare; exposing their conditions has driven both legislative reform and consumer behavior change.
Puppy mills confine breeding dogs in crowded, unsanitary conditions with minimal veterinary care, socialization, or human contact. Breeding females face repeated pregnancies with no recovery time. Puppies are removed from mothers too young, causing behavioral and health problems. Brick-and-mortar pet store puppies are overwhelmingly sourced from mills despite deceptive marketing.