Definition:

Puppy mills are large-scale commercial puppy breeding operations that typically sell to pet stores or other intermediaries, and not directly to the public. Puppy mills are notorious for putting profits above animal welfare; keeping dogs in crowded, dirty conditions with little or no veterinary care; breeding the dogs too often or too young; and selling sick puppies.

From a legal standpoint, the definition of a puppy mill will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.


When the Missouri resolution banning puppy mills, Prop B, passed in 2010, the definition of a puppy mill was a facility with 50 or more breeding dogs. The law was overturned less than a year later.

Examples: Did you see the undercover investigation of that puppy mill on the news last night?