This July 21st is No Pet Store Puppies Day. This day highlights the importance of adopting pets instead of buying them. Some pet owners choose to buy their pets from pet stores. Many of these pet stores get their puppies from puppy mills, which are extremely cruel.
Puppy mills put profits before animal welfare, and parent dogs are often continuously bred without rest and placed in crowded, unhealthy conditions. This often leads to poor genetics and a high risk of hereditary diseases for the puppies. Buying a puppy from a pet store supports this cruelty cycle, so one way to stop it is to adopt a pup instead.
If you aren’t able to adopt, we’ve compiled a list of other things you can do to help.
First, you can choose to boycott all retail stores that sell puppies. Buying from these stores indirectly supports the cruelty of puppy mills. Instead, choose to shop for your pet's needs at mom-and-pop pet shops that don’t sell puppies.
If you have room in your house, a good way to help is by fostering shelter dogs. Shelters cover costs, while you provide love, attention, and affection. This helps the puppies learn how to live in a house, and as a result helps them get adopted. And it can also helps you see how a dog would fit into your life and potentially pair you up with a furry friend.
Additionally, you can help by donating supplies to your local shelter. Shelters are always in need of supplies for their pups. Donate unopened pet food, toys, or blankets. These donations can go a long way and can really help these pups live more comfortably.
Finally, you can always volunteer at your local shelter! Shelters, especially those at full capacity, often need help with cleaning, walking, or even just time spent with the pups. Volunteering is a great way to help these pups, and it even serves as a great destressor. Who doesn’t love spending time with cute pups in need?
We hope that on July 21st, you do your part to help prevent the cruelty of puppy mills. Take some ideas from this list and help pups in need!