How to Find a Puppy and Avoid Puppy Mills: Through Private Advertisements

Craigslist, Newspaper Ads, Googled Puppies, etc…

“Free to a good home…”

A free puppy is never “free” – there is cost in ownership, pedigree, and humane treatment. Even if you pay for an advertised puppy, be aware of health, breeding, and puppy mill risks.

Advertisements come from reputable breeders, private homes, rescue organizations, and even puppy mills. How ever the person you call or email presents them self, do the research accordingly. See my first entry on how to find a puppy and avoid puppy mills for an overview.

Also be aware that those who sell animals on the Internet are not held to the Animal Welfare Act regulations. (ASPCA 10 Ways You Can Help Fight Puppy Mills)

Puppy Mills

Puppy mills frequently advertise on the Internet and through newspaper ads. They present themselves as breeders or kennels. Sometimes they work through brokers who might sell puppies one litter at a time so they appear to be a family or small breeder. See my information on evaluating breeders.

Private Homes

Many breeders work out of their homes – I discussed evaluating breeders previously. The homes I discuss here are not professional breeders, but regular families who have an accidental breeding, want to to experience “the miracle of birth,” or are looking to earn a little money. But there are pitfalls… (more…)

adoption, breeding, buying, dogs, how to, Puppies, puppy mill Hide