Before you buy that puppy: What you need to know

But hold up, before you whip out your wallet and order a monogrammed food bowl, let’s talk about where that puppy might be coming from.

Puppy farms in Australia: the hidden cruelty

At the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, we call it “puppy love with a plot twist.” Because behind those adorable eyes could be a dark story, one set in a puppy farm.

Puppy farms (also known as puppy mills) are the not-so-cute side of the pet industry. Dogs are often kept in overcrowded, inhumane conditions, bred over and over again with little regard for their health or happiness. And while the pups are polished up and sold online or through pet shops, the parents are hidden away, living lives that are anything but rosy.

Adopt don’t shop: ethical choices for puppy lovers

But here’s the good news: we’re not here to guilt you. We’re here to empower you. Because every time someone chooses adoption or only buys from an ethical breeder they’ve met in person, a puppy farm loses its power.

Puppy farm rescue success: Daisy’s story

"When I first brought Daisy home, she didn’t even know how to play. She’d never seen grass before. Now she’s queen of the backyard and chases butterflies like she was born to do it. Every day, she reminds me that love and patience can heal just about anything."
~ Tanya, puppy farm rescue adopter from Queensland

How to avoid puppy mills: adopt, research, and advocate

Want to be a hero in a dog's story? Consider adopting from a rescue or shelter, doing your homework, and supporting laws that shut cruel breeding operations down for good.

Your perfect dog might be waiting at a local shelter

And remember: the perfect pup doesn’t need to come with a bow on its head or a designer label. It might just be waiting for you at your local shelter, tail wagging, ready to turn your life upside down, in the best possible way.

Learn more here.