Frequently asked questions

What is PetRescue doing about puppy mills?

PetRescue has started this campaign to increase awareness of puppy mills as a major contributor to the homeless pet problem in Australia - impulse purchase pets often end up in rescue. We promote public awareness and education and feel this kind of farming, if exposed, will not be accepted by the Australian community.

But it’s important to know that, in most cases, puppy mills are not illegal in Australia. A breeding kennel can legally keep dozens, even hundreds, of dogs in cages for their entire lives, as long as the dogs are given the basics of food, water, and shelter. While PetRescue is opposed to puppy mills, we can not shut down or raid legal businesses. PetRescue is not a government, law enforcement, or regulatory agency.

Puppy mills are not illegal, therefore we need help from the public to put an end to the consumer demand for their ‘product’. You can help stop puppy mills by getting your next dog from rescue or a registered breeder.

What is the difference between a registered breeder and a puppy farmer (and how will I know)?

A registered breeder is registered with the Australian National Kennel Council and must meet certain requirements. A breeder will usually specialise in one breed and is also likely to be involved in showing that breed.

A puppy farmer will not be registered with the ANKC. Many claim to be registered, but check who they are actually registered by, often it just a ‘registered’ business! The ANKC only registers ‘pure breed’ dog breeders. All designer dogs are cross breeds.

A breeder will be happy for you to visit them to meet the parents and the pups at their own premises, in fact most will insist. Puppy farmers will not. If puppy farmers who meet the legal requirements of minimum standards of care will not let you see their breeding facilities - they know that you will be horrified.

A breeder will know about their breed, they will be happy to answer your questions and are very likely to have plenty of their own. If you are suspicious, go home and do some research.

What’s wrong with cross breed dogs?

Nothing! Cross breed dogs are just as likely to make a wonderful pet as a pure breed. But because puppy mill dogs are mass produced and kept in isolated conditions until purchase, they have a high likelihood of suffering from behavioural and health problems.

Why are there health problems with puppies from mills?

Many breeds of dog have conditions that they are prone to, such as hip dysplasia, chronic skin conditions, overshot jaws and heart murmurs. Good breeders test their breeding dogs for these conditions prior to mating. Puppy farmers do not and, as they have no contact with the puppies once they have left the mill, they have no idea what genetic defects they are continuing to breed into these puppies.

Why are pet shop puppies more likely to have behaviour problems?

It has been known by behaviourists for years that the most important time in a puppy’s development is between 3 to 12 weeks and puppies isolated during this time (say in a glass box in a pet shop or cage at a mill) are much more likely develop behavioural issues than a well socialised dog.

In fact most behavioural trainers will cite lack of socialisation as the leading cause of fear aggression toward other dogs and children in adult dogs.

What happens to ex-breeding stock?

Dogs should not be bred every heat cycle as it is bad for their bodies. Puppy mill bitches are bred every time they come into heat, sometimes two or three times a year until their uterus prolapses and falls out of their body. Once the dog is no longer useful for breeding it is destroyed.

Dogs from puppy mill raids are often very difficult to rehome. They have known nothing but a cage their entire life and struggle to cope with the outside world. Many of these dogs can not be rehabilitated as pets and will be euthanased. The ones that are saved will need special care their entire lives. See Survivor stories.