UAPM: Buyer Beware

Buyer Beware

Tips and resources for finding a canine companion

It is important to be aware that puppy mill puppies are often sold through the internet, newspaper ads, brokers and dealers. Puppy mills also sell puppies directly to the public too, often putting forth the appearance of a reputable breeder.

Did you know that most pet stores purchase their puppies from puppy mills? Their motive is purely monetary -- higher profits. These stores want "product" in volume for the lowest price possible and that's what puppy mills are in business to provide. Pet stores also bank on the relationship between families and their new puppies being so strong that puppies who begin to exhibit health or behavioral problems will not be returned. Wanting to "rescue" a puppy from its cage at the pet store only reinforces the cycle of supply and demand that keeps puppy mills profitable.

Reputable Breeder or Puppy Mill?

Reputable breeders have a deep interest in where their puppies go and will interview hopeful buyers before a sale is completed. Reputable breeders will not sell their dogs in any way that does not permit them to have interaction with potential buyers. Their desire is to ensure that the puppies are a good match for families and that every puppy will go to a responsible, loving, forever home.

In contrast, puppy mills are commercial enterprises which breed dogs in significant numbers for profit. While puppy mills are not inherently illegal, their operators consider their dogs only as a commodity, as income-producing machines. Maximization of profit is the primary goal. This allows for no screening of genetic problems, and veterinary care is minimal or nonexistent. Provisions for the comfort and well being of the dogs are regarded as expenses kept to an absolute minimum. Dogs not on display for potential buyers are kept in cramped wire cages twenty-four hours a day, often unprotected from the elements.

Visit our Links & Resources page to learn more about the horrors of puppy mills.

Finding a Reputable Breeder

Ways to locate reputable breeders include:

asking your veterinarian or professional dog trainer for a referral
contacting local breed clubs
attending dog shows

Remember that reputable breeders:

specialize in only one or two breeds of dogs and are knowledgeable about breed standards and potential breed-specific genetic problems
often keep the dogs in the home as part of the family and will welcome you to see where the dogs spend most of their time
encourage you to spend time with the puppy's parents (at a minimum, the mother) and encourage multiple visits prior to taking the puppy home
want your entire family to meet the puppy and discuss care and "rules" for the household
have a strong relationship with a veterinarian and will provide documentation of the puppy's vet visits and medical history
provide a written contract and health guarantee, and ask you to sign a contract stating that you will return the dog to the breeder should you be unable to keep the dog at any point during its lifetime
understand healthy breeding patterns for the females, so puppies are not always available
maintain a list of people interested in the next available litter

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Online Kennel Inspection Reports

Want to learn about a specific breeder or kennel? Search the Pennsylvania state kennel inspection database here.

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The Dog Purchaser Protection Act

(Puppy Lemon Law)

Many people who have encountered health problems with pets obtained directly or indirectly from puppy mills may be unaware that under certain conditions they have legal recourse. In Pennsylvania, the Dog Purchaser Protection Act (commonly referred to as the Puppy Lemon Law) mandates refunds or reimbursement of veterinarian expenses within a specified period of time after a sale. You can learn more about this law by visiting the official website of the Pennsylvania Attorney General here.

The following is a brief summary of the Dog Purchaser Protection Act. It does not include every aspect of the law and UAPM does not guarantee coverage. We urge you to read the act in its entirety via the link above or call (800) 441-2555 for a copy.

Seller must provide buyer with a health record.
Seller must provide a health certificate.
Buyer must have the dog examined by a veterinarian within 10 days of purchase. If the dog is ill or has died from an injury sustained on the date of sale or prior then there are three options:
- Return the dog for a complete refund.
- Return the dog for a replacement dog of equal value.
- Retain the dog and receive reimbursement for medical bills not exceeding the purchase price.
If within 30 days of purchase a veterinarian determines that the dog has a congenital or hereditary defect or if the dog has died from such a defect, the buyer then has the same three options as above.
Buyer has 2 business days from the veterinary certification to notify the seller or the buyer forfeits his/her rights.
Refunds or reimbursements must be made within 14 days after seller receives veterinary certification.

Note: If you find yourself in a situation to which this law applies, we would strongly urge you to elect to keep the puppy and demand medical reimbursement. This will prevent the seller from simply reselling the dog to another person or otherwise disposing of it. We believe this course of action will have the best chance of discouraging unethical behavior on the part of these breeders as well as being in the best interests of the puppy.

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Adopt Your Next Canine Friend

Thinking of adding a dog to your family? Please consider adoption. Countless wonderful yet abandoned dogs of all ages and breeds are in shelters or with rescue organizations across the country waiting, hoping for another chance at a happy life.

Please, above all, avoid putting money into the puppy mill system that perpetuates so much misery for dogs.

Visit our Links & Resources page for resources to help you find your ideal pet!

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Been a Victim? Tell Us Your Story

If you have ever purchased a puppy from a pet store, through an internet contact, or from a large scale breeder and encountered health issues, we'd like to hear your story. Please download this form (MS Word format), fill in the information and send it to us.

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