The One Thing You Should Never Buy Online is Your Puppy!
Watch our We the Puppies video for a quick introduction to why buying a puppy online can hide important information about the breeder, mother dog and breeding conditions.
Want to see the full campaign? Explore the We the Puppies Educational Video Campaign.
Why Buying a Puppy Online Can Be a Costly — and Heartbreaking — Mistake
Buying online is great for shoes or purses—but when it comes to adding a furry new family member, it can lead to serious heartbreak. Many commercial breeders and puppy mills now reach buyers online through breeder websites, classified listings, broker platforms, and social media that appear friendly and trustworthy.
There are many dangers to buying a puppy based only on a photo or online listing. You can’t know a puppy’s health, temperament, or living conditions from pictures alone. Many puppies sold online come from large-scale commercial breeding operations, where dogs are bred repeatedly, taken from their mothers too early, and shipped or delivered to buyers far away. These puppies can arrive sick, anxious, or suffering from genetic health issues that may last a lifetime and do not show up on a website.
Even worse, some buyers never receive the dog they paid for and are left scammed and heartbroken.
Meet the Mother Dog — See Where Your Puppy Was Born
The most important thing you can do before buying a puppy is to meet the mother dog so you can see her mental and physical conditions, and see where she lives.
This gives you a true picture of the breeder’s practices and the puppies’ environment.
Any breeder—large or small—can be a puppy mill. They will not advertise themselves as one. That’s why it’s critical to visit in person before you pay a deposit or take a puppy home.
Ask yourself: Do the dogs seem happy and comfortable around people? Are they healthy and well cared for? Reputable breeders are proud to show where and how their dogs live.
Be Cautious of Websites Selling Puppies from Multiple Breeders
Many online puppy-selling websites act as puppy brokers, connecting buyers with breeders across the country.
These sites often use USDA-licensed commercial breeders, but that license doesn’t guarantee humane care or quality breeding practices.
Websites that list hundreds of puppies or many designer breeds such as Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, Cockapoos, French Bulldogs, Bichon Frise, Australian Shepherds, Pugs, Cavalier King Charles, Labrador Retrievers, Dachshunds, Chihuahua, Welsh Corgi, Yorkshire Terrier and Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaton and all other breeds and mixes often source from high-volume commercial dog breeders. Claims of “no puppy mills” are mostly subjective marketing language.
Before you fall in love with an online photo, know the red flags to look for, research where the puppy truly comes from and insist on meeting the mother dog in person, seeing the breeder’s facility firsthand.
Help End the Cruelty of Puppy Mills
Many people don’t realize that puppy mills are legal and widespread. These are high-volume dog breeding operations—large or small—that prioritize profit over animal welfare. Dogs may live in stacked cages, confined without exercise or proper care. Females are often bred repeatedly, producing litter after litter, and many dogs are denied necessary veterinary care.
Because such conditions are legal under current regulations, consumer awareness is critical. Every online purchase supports this system.
The best way to help end puppy mills is simple:
Never buy a puppy online or from a pet store.
Always meet the mother dog and see the environment for yourself. Check a dog breeder’s license.
Your puppy will be part of your family for 10 to 15 years—make sure they come from a place of compassion,