Join Old Dominion Humane Society To Support ‘National No Pet Store Puppies Day’ On July 21

Adopt a four-legged friend from Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) or other area rescues/shelters to support “National No Pet Store Puppies Day” on July 21. ODHS saves hundreds of neglected, hoarded and mistreated pups throughout the year and finds them perfectly matched families. By adopting from a rescue or shelter, the public will help stop puppy mill operations, where profit reigns and the care and well-being of the dogs and their litters are minimal.

Between 6,000 and 10,000 commercial breeders operate in the U.S., and dogs are usually housed in small, crowded cages with unsanitary conditions, given no veterinary care and inadequate means to food and water, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Many of the dogs spend their lives without affection from humans, and female dogs are bred with very little time in between having their litters for their bodies to recover.

Female dogs in commercial breeding facilities are bred at every chance—whether they’re sick, hurt, tired or have genetic traits that can be passed along to their litters.

“There are so many puppies and dogs that have been rescued by ODHS and are in need of homes,” said Chrissy Hamilton, founder of ODHS, a nonprofit, no-kill rescue. “We make sure every dog is examined, vaccinated, provided with medications when needed, spayed/neutered and are fed well. The volunteers provide them with outdoor time through hikes, strolls and outings and socialize them with humans and other dogs. ODHS volunteers and fosters are dedicated to giving the rescues a comfortable and safe environment and a second chance at the lives they deserve.”

Commercial breeders are interested in producing the most puppies to make a profit at the lowest cost. To cut corners, dogs are kept in small, overcrowded cages where they eat, sleep and give birth. Many dogs are kept outdoors and are susceptible to the rain, heat and cold.

It’s not uncommon for these breeders to house the dogs in filthy conditions, where diseases spread, especially in puppies that have undeveloped immune systems. Commercial breeders don’t often provide veterinary care for sickness, regular checkups or vaccinations for puppies and the breeding dogs, as it cuts into their profits. Upon their arrival to pet stores, puppies from commercial breeders often have parasites, parvo, pneumonia and other health problems.

Puppy mill dogs rarely get baths, nails trimmed or brushed. Without proper grooming, they can experience painful matting and nails that grow so long it causes pain to walk or even stand.

Unimaginable as it is, dogs that are unlucky enough to be in a puppy mill don’t go on walks to explore, play fetch or get an affectionate pet. The goal for these businesses is to sell the puppies, and they have little to no motivation to bond with the dogs. Under these conditions, it’s common to see them pace in their cages, bark incessantly, cower or shut down completely.

Female dogs in commercial breeding facilities are bred at every chance—whether they’re sick, hurt, tired or have genetic traits that can be passed along to their litters. Sadly, puppies aren’t allowed a gradual separation from their mother or siblings. If there’s a buyer, the puppies are sold immediately, sometimes leading to fear, anxiety and behavioral problems that are hard to treat.

To get to the pet stores or brokers from the breeding facilities, the puppies are transported by truck or plane for long distances. In many instances, the puppies are traumatized by noisy, dirty and crowded conditions, where it can be too hot or too cold. The transport is also a breeding ground for illness and disease.

Since the profits are gained from the puppies, commercial breeders aren’t invested in the breeding dogs once they’re physically incapable of reproducing. Homes aren’t found for them, and they’re frequently abandoned or killed.

Rescues and animal shelters are filled to capacity, and many shelters have lined their hallways with dog crates to make room for more pups. ODHS rescues puppies, pregnant females and other dogs, including canines with disabilities like blindness and deafness and overlooked senior dogs. Many of the dogs arrive from shelters, where they would otherwise have been euthanized.

“Instead of adopting a puppy from a pet store, we encourage the public to check out the adorable puppies—and many other dogs--at ODHS and other rescues/shelters,” said Hamilton. “Together we can let the commercial breeding industry know that we love our pets and won’t tolerate the inhumane treatment so often found at these facilities.”