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Rescues
are rad.

Puppy mills are bad.

Take the pledge today to raise awareness about rescue dogs and inhumane treatment at puppy mills.

Puppy mills are bad.

Take the pledge today to raise awareness about rescue dogs and inhumane treatment at puppy mills.

How Puppy Mills Work

Most people would never shop at a puppy mill if they saw how badly they treat their animals. So why do Americans buy over 2 million dogs per year from inhumane breeding mills?

Because puppy mills work behind the scenes, where shoppers never see them.

Puppy mills are third-party breeders that supply pet stores and online sellers with puppies. Millions of people buy dogs each year without ever knowing they’re indirectly giving money to cruel and crowded breeding mills.

*Source ASPCA

The
Puppy Mill
Cycle

The Puppy Mill Cycle

Shoppers can unknowingly drive demand for puppy mill breeding.

Money
Puppies

Did You Know That Puppy Mills Are…

Crowded?

To save money, breeders overcrowd small cages with as many dogs as possible.

Unclean?

Dogs in puppy mills often sleep, play and eat in their own waste.

Unhealthy?

Many puppies from mills suffer from long-term health and behavioral issues.

And Yet...

Each year, 2 million puppies are bred and sold from mills, while 1 million shelter dogs are put to sleep.

Crowded?

To save money, breeders overcrowd small cages with as many dogs as possible.

Unclean?

Dogs in puppy mills often sleep, play and eat in their own waste.

Unhealthy?

Many puppies from mills suffer from long-term health and behavioral issues.

And Yet...

Each year, 2 million puppies are bred and sold from mills, while 1 million shelter dogs are put to sleep.

Why We Love Rescues

There Are Plenty of Puppies

Looking for a puppy? You don’t have to go to a pet store or breeder. Adorable puppies await at your local shelter.

And Older Dogs, Too

Puppies can be a handful. Older dogs make loyal friends and are often already trained.

Plus, the Breeds You Love

Love weenie dogs or puggles? Breed-specific rescues can help you find the dog of your dreams.

Fight the Shelter Stigma

  • I heard
    "All shelter dogs are damaged goods."
    Fact
    Most rescues are trainable, or already trained! They make lovable companions, just like purebred dogs.
  • I heard
    "All rescue dogs are mutts."
    Fact
    Many purebred dogs enter shelters, and breed-specific rescues can help you find the perfect pup.
  • I heard
    "Shelters don’t have puppies, only older dogs."
    Fact
    Rescue shelters have tons of puppies — plus adults if you’re looking for a dog that’s already trained.
  • I heard
    "Visiting a shelter is depressing."
    Fact
    It’s true there are a lot of pups in need, but shelters ensure they have a chance to live a happy life!
  • I heard
    "My local pet shop seems okay — it’s not a puppy mill."
    Fact
    Puppy mills are third-party suppliers; they’re usually behind the scenes. Even the nicest pet store may order dogs from puppy mills.
I heard
"All shelter dogs are damaged goods."
Fact
Most rescues are trainable, or already trained! They make lovable companions, just like purebred dogs.
I heard
"All rescue dogs are mutts."
Fact
Many purebred dogs enter shelters, and breed-specific rescues can help you find the perfect pup.
I heard
"Shelters don’t have puppies, only older dogs."
Fact
Rescue shelters have tons of puppies — plus adults if you’re looking for a dog that’s already trained.
I heard
"Visiting a shelter is depressing."
Fact
It’s true there are a lot of pups in need, but shelters ensure they have a chance to live a happy life!
I heard
"My local pet shop seems okay — it’s not a puppy mill."
Fact
Puppy mills are third-party suppliers; they’re usually behind the scenes. Even the nicest pet store may order dogs from puppy mills.

Take the Pledge

Help us change the culture from shopping to adopting by pledging to spread the truth about rescuing and the need for adoption.

More Ways to Help

Share

This cause on your social media to help spread the word.

Donate & Volunteer

Your time, money or supplies to help your local shelter support their animals.

Adopt

From shelters and urge your friends and family to do the same.

Photo
Stephen Andrews on Unsplash

Have a story to share about your rescue? Let us know!

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#TheRescuePledge

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