To end the cruel treatment of dogs in mass breeding operations.

In puppy mills, mother dogs spend their entire lives in cramped cages with little to no personal attention. When the mother and father dogs can no longer breed, they are abandoned or killed. Due to poor sanitation, overbreeding and a lack of preventive veterinary care, the puppies frequently suffer from a variety of health issues, creating heartbreaking challenges for families who should be enjoying the delights of adopting a new family member.

2023 Horrible Hundred

Our annual report documenting 100 of the country's known puppy mills has been released for 2023. 

Missouri inspectors found an emaciated, nursing dog at Ellen Roberts/ Rocky Top K-9s
Missouri Department of Agriculture
What are puppy mills?

Inhumane high-volume dog breeding facilities that churn out puppies for profit, ignoring the needs of the pups and their mothers. They commonly sell through internet sales, online classified ads, flea markets and pet stores. Responsible breeders will be happy to meet you in person and show you where the puppy was born and raised—and where their mom lives too.

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It starts with you

Help stop this cycle of cruelty by pledging to adopt your next pet from a shelter or rescue. Sign the pledge!

Did you know?
Dogs in cages during a rescue from a North Carolina puppy mill
10,000
PUPPY MILLS

Are estimated to be currently active in the United States.

Breeder mom with puppies at temp shelter from puppy mill rescue in North Carolina
500,000
DOGS

Are kept solely for breeding purposes in all puppy mills.

Puppies at temp shelter from puppy mill rescue in North Carolina
2.6MILLION
PUPPIES

Are sold each year after originating from a puppy mill.

Dog in cage at a puppy mill before being rescued

There are an estimated 10,000 puppy mills across the country, where mother dogs spend their entire lives in cramped cages. Your generous gift will save puppies and their moms from suffering in these cruel mass-breeding operations by supporting our work to stop this vicious cycle.

Meredith Lee / The HSUS