We’ve come a long way in the fight against puppy mills—but there’s still work to do. Some states are taking real steps to protect animals and consumers, while others continue to fall behind. Wondering where your state lands when it comes to puppy mill regulations? Let’s take a look.
Related: How to Avoid Buying from a Puppy Mill
What Is a Puppy Mill?
A puppy mill is a commercial dog breeding operation where profit takes priority over the welfare of the dogs. These facilities focus on mass production, often breeding dozens or even hundreds of puppies per year with little regard for the physical or emotional health of the animals involved.
At first glance, some may resemble a small family-run kennel, but behind the scenes, the conditions are often heartbreaking:
- Breeding dogs are kept in stacked wire cages with no access to grass, fresh air, or sunlight.
- Females are bred continuously, often starting with their first heat cycle and continuing until they can no longer produce puppies.
- No socialization or affection is given, leaving dogs fearful, anxious, or aggressive.
- Puppies are frequently taken from their mothers too young, increasing the risk of illness and behavioral issues.
Sadly, many of these operations meet only the bare minimum federal standards set by the USDA—standards that still allow for:
- Cage sizes only 6 inches larger than the dog
- No required exercise
- Annual vet checks that can be easily falsified
- Lack of regulation on breeding frequency
And since many mills sell puppies through third-party outlets—like pet stores or websites—you may never even see where your puppy came from.
Bottom line: Puppy mills aren’t defined by how many dogs they breed, but by how they breed them. A small breeder can be just as inhumane as a large one if the animals are treated as commodities instead of living beings.
States Leading the Way in Puppy Mill Regulation (As of 2025)
While the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) sets a low bar for commercial dog breeders, it’s really up to individual states to enact and enforce stronger protections. Thankfully, some states are stepping up with meaningful legislation that goes beyond the basics—addressing not only the welfare of animals but also protecting consumers from the heartbreak and financial burden of sick or poorly bred puppies.
Here are a few standout states in 2025:
California
California was the first state to ban the sale of puppies, kittens, and rabbits in pet stores unless they came from shelters or rescue organizations (Assembly Bill 485, enacted in 2019). This groundbreaking law helped cut off the supply chain from puppy mills and pushed other states to follow suit. California also has strict standards around breeder licensing, veterinary care, and facility conditions.
Illinois
In 2021, Illinois passed the Safe Pets for Illinois Act, which prohibits pet stores from selling dogs or cats from commercial breeders. Instead, they may partner with shelters and rescues. The state also increased enforcement capacity and raised standards for licensing and inspections.
Maryland
Maryland prohibits retail pet stores from selling puppies and kittens from breeders. Its laws emphasize consumer protection, ensuring pet buyers receive health records and background information. The state encourages adoption and holds breeders to stricter operational standards than federal minimums.
New York
In 2022, New York passed the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill, cutting off the retail sale of commercially bred puppies. As one of the largest pet markets in the country, New York’s legislation has a wide ripple effect by removing a major outlet for puppy mill puppies.
Maine
Maine goes above and beyond in requiring transparency and humane care. The state limits how many times a female dog can be bred per year, mandates veterinary care and socialization, and enforces surprise inspections of breeding facilities. In addition, breeders must keep thorough records of each animal’s health and living conditions.
Common Features of States With Strong Puppy Mill Laws:
- Ban the sale of commercially bred pets in retail stores
- Require unannounced inspections—usually 1–2 times per year
- Cap the number of breeding dogs per facility to prevent overbreeding
- Mandate vet care, clean water, climate control, and exercise
- Implement consumer protection laws to prevent buyer fraud
Why does this matter?
When pet stores and online retailers can’t source from puppy mills, the demand for unethical breeding dries up. That forces more accountability, better conditions, and fewer animals suffering behind closed doors.
States Still Struggling With Puppy Mill Oversight
While progress is being made in some areas of the country, others continue to lag far behind when it comes to protecting animals from large-scale, inhumane breeding operations. In these states, outdated or weak laws allow puppy mills to flourish in the shadows, often with minimal (or no) oversight from authorities.
In some cases, even basic animal cruelty is only classified as a misdemeanor, rather than a felony—sending a clear message that animals’ suffering isn’t treated as a serious crime.
States Still Falling Behind in 2025 Include:
- Mississippi – Has no specific commercial breeder laws; weak enforcement and minimal inspection standards.
- South Dakota – Animal cruelty is still a misdemeanor, and commercial breeders face little regulation unless federally licensed.
- Alabama – No cap on breeding dogs, no required inspections, and very limited protections for animals in commercial settings.
- Idaho – Lacks statewide breeder regulations; relies mostly on local ordinances, which are inconsistent.
- Indiana – Still ranks low on breeder oversight and has been repeatedly cited in the Humane Society’s “Horrible Hundred” report.
Did you know? In some of these states, breeders can operate legally with no limits on the number of animals, no required vet visits, and no inspections unless complaints are made.
Why These Gaps Matter
- Without licensing and inspection laws, bad actors continue to operate unchecked.
- Puppy mills can legally sell animals through online classifieds or out of state to less regulated areas.
- Dogs suffer silently, often until a whistleblower steps forward—or until things become so bad that law enforcement is forced to act.
What Needs to Happen?
To close the gap and bring nationwide improvement, these states need to:
- Make animal cruelty a felony in all cases, not just for egregious abuse.
- Require all breeders—regardless of size—to be licensed and inspected.
- Ban the sale of puppies in pet stores from non-rescue sources.
- Implement surprise inspections and create public reporting systems for complaints and violations.
Consumer pressure matters.
The more awareness and advocacy that exists at the state level, the more likely lawmakers are to take action. If you live in one of these states, your voice is crucial in pushing for better protections for animals.
Why Does Puppy Mill Regulation Matter?
Puppy mill regulations aren’t just about preventing cruelty—they’re about protecting everyone: the dogs, their future families, responsible breeders, and even the broader community. When states lack strong oversight, it opens the door for neglect, abuse, and consumer deception.
Let’s break down why proper regulation is so important:
For the Dogs
Without regulations, dogs in puppy mills are treated as breeding machines, not living beings. Females are bred as often as physically possible, often in their first heat, and kept in small wire cages with no access to fresh air, clean water, or vet care. Many never leave their enclosures—ever.
Without regulation:
- Dogs are denied vet care, socialization, and proper nutrition.
- Injuries and illnesses go untreated.
- Puppies are removed from their mothers far too early, affecting development.
With regulation:
- There are limits on the number of litters per dog.
- Facilities must meet standards for cleanliness, vet care, and space.
- Dogs get breaks between pregnancies and proper social interaction.
For You, the Pet Parent
Buying a puppy is a big emotional—and financial—commitment. Without consumer protections, families often end up heartbroken and overwhelmed.
Unregulated breeding leads to:
- Puppies sold with hidden health problems (parvovirus, congenital defects, parasites)
- High vet bills, emotional distress, and sometimes, the death of the puppy
- Zero accountability if something goes wrong
Well-regulated states require:
- Health records and breeder registration
- Disclosures about the puppy’s origin and medical history
- Consumer protection laws that offer refunds or coverage for medical issues
For Ethical Breeders
Lack of regulation actually hurts good breeders. Responsible breeders who invest in health testing, socialization, clean environments, and ethical breeding practices are often undercut by mills selling cheaper (but lower quality) puppies online or through pet stores.
Creating consistent legal standards helps level the playing field for breeders who do things the right way—and helps consumers recognize the difference.
For Ending the Puppy Mill Cycle
Without laws to stop the supply chain, puppy mills will keep operating. Pet stores and online sellers provide a convenient way to sell puppies without showing the reality behind the scenes.
But when states:
- Prohibit the sale of dogs in pet stores from breeders
- Crack down on illegal or unlicensed operations
- Require clear sourcing and licensing
…the pipeline dries up. And that changes everything.
What Makes a State’s Puppy Mill Laws ‘Good’?
States with strong puppy mill laws focus on both animal welfare and consumer protection. They require unannounced inspections, which help ensure breeders are consistently maintaining safe, humane conditions—not just cleaning up before a visit. These states often cap the number of breeding dogs allowed per facility, mandate regular veterinary care, and enforce clear guidelines on housing, nutrition, and rest between litters. This prevents overbreeding and helps protect the long-term health of both parent dogs and puppies.
Another hallmark of strong regulation is transparency. States with good laws require breeders to keep thorough records, share health and vaccination information with buyers, and meet strict standards before selling puppies.
Many of these states also ban the sale of commercially bred pets in retail stores, cutting off one of the main distribution channels for puppy mills. Together, these laws raise the bar for ethical breeding and help prevent both animal suffering and buyer heartbreak.
How to Tell If a Breeder Is Reputable
Not sure if you’re dealing with a responsible breeder or a red-flag operation? Look for these signs:
Signs of a Reputable Breeder:
- Lets you visit or video chat to see the facility
- Breeds only 1–2 types of dogs and not year-round
- Shows where the puppies live and meet the parents
- Provides health records, vet checks, and vaccination info
- Asks you questions to ensure a good match
- Has a return policy if things don’t work out
Red Flags That May Signal a Puppy Mill:
- Won’t let you see the premises or meet the parents
- Always has multiple litters or breeds available
- Sells puppies younger than 8 weeks
- Pushes for quick sales or shipping
- No paperwork, vague answers, or evasive behavior
Tip: If it feels rushed, secretive, or too good to be true—it probably is.
Why We Encourage Adoption First
While we understand some families may seek specific breeds or characteristics, adoption is one of the most powerful ways to break the cycle of puppy mills. Every year, millions of dogs in shelters and rescues wait for loving homes—many of them purebred or young.
Adopting means:
- Giving a second chance to a dog in need
- Supporting rescue organizations, not mass breeders
- Potentially saving a life (or two—yours and theirs!)
Even if a dog has a difficult past, with patience and care, many adopted pets become loving, loyal companions. And if you’re set on a certain breed, don’t worry—breed-specific rescues exist for nearly every type of dog.
You may also consider an organization like PuppySpot, with nearly two decades of experience, it’s a trusted online community that makes it easy to find happy, healthy puppies from responsible breeders.
Want to Take Action? Start Here
You don’t have to wait for laws to change—your voice and choices make a difference.
Simple Steps You Can Take:
- Adopt, don’t shop — or only buy from certified ethical breeders
- Research your state laws and contact legislators to support stronger animal welfare bills
- Share what you’ve learned to raise awareness in your community
- Support local rescues and humane societies through donations, volunteering, or fostering
Check these resources to learn more or take action:
Related: Tips for Finding Reputable Hypoallergenic Dog Breeders
Final Thoughts
Puppy mills still exist because they operate quietly—and often legally—in the shadows. But every adoption, every conversation, and every call for stronger laws helps bring light to this issue.
Whether you’re welcoming a new dog into your home or simply want to be a more informed advocate, staying educated is a powerful first step. Together, we can push for a future where no dog is born into suffering—and where love, not profit, guides the way we treat animals.
