In September 2014, The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) revised the 40 year old definition of “retail pet store” under the Federal Animal Welfare Act to restore an important check and balance that helps ensure the health and humane treatment of pet animals sold sight unseen. This amendment includes the regulation of puppies being sold sight unseen through the internet without providing an opportunity for the buyer to observe the animal prior to purchase.
Breeders selling directly through the internet who have 5 or more breeding females are now required to be licensed and inspected by the USDA.
If you purchased a puppy from a suspected puppy mill, please fill out the form on Stop Online Puppy Mills website. With your approval, Stop Online Puppy Mills will submit your report and information to the USDA.