Glossary
Puppy mill
A large-scale breeding operation that puts profit above the welfare of its dogs, producing puppies sold through pet stores, brokers or websites.
Also called: puppy farm, commercial breeding facility, puppy mills, pet store puppies, high-volume breeder
A puppy mill is a high-volume dog breeding operation where animals are kept in poor conditions to produce puppies at low cost. The mother dogs may spend their lives in crowded cages with little exercise, veterinary care or human contact. Puppies are sold in pet stores, through brokers or by online sellers who may show only attractive photos.
Puppy mill has no precise legal definition. In the United States, large commercial breeders who sell to pet stores are licensed and inspected by the USDA under the Animal Welfare Act, and a licensed breeder can still be a poor one. Some states and cities ban the retail sale of dogs from commercial breeders.
Puppies from mills often arrive with health and behaviour problems. Avoid buying a puppy you cannot see with its mother. Look for a responsible dog breeder or a animal shelter instead.
Last reviewed November 8, 2026