To Pinoy Dog Members and Friends,

If you’re thinking of getting a dog, only get from reputable breeders and not from puppy mills.

Find a responsible breeder and visit their premises. Responsible breeders provide a loving and healthy environment for their canine companions. Never buy a puppy without seeing where they and their parents are raised and housed with your own eyes.

Responsible breeders want to personally meet and interview the person who will be caring for their puppy or dogs.

They believe that the dogs they use for breeding are kept as part of the family.

They believe that housing dogs in cages 24 hours a day for years on end, is an inhumane way to treat such an animal, one who thrives on companionship.

They support excellence in care and attention for breeding dogs and their puppies.

How do you identify and find a reputable breeder? First, know that good breeders breed not just to make money—they don't sell their puppies to the first person who shows up with cash in hand.

What is a puppy mill: A breeder who produces puppies with no breeding program, little attention to puppy placement, and poor health and socialization practices. Conditions in puppy mills are generally substandard and may be deplorable, and puppies and adult dogs may be malnourished, sickly, and of poor temperament.

Too often, the result is puppies in poor health or with temperament problems that may not be discovered until years later. Unfortunately, these new-pet families often end up heartbroken, with a dog that has genetic health problems or develops significant behavior problems due to a lack of early socialization. In some cases, these problems can cost thousands of pesos to treat.

You can find reputable breeders by asking for referrals from your veterinarian or trusted friends, by contacting local breed clubs, or visiting dog shows. Remember, a reputable breeder will never sell their dogs through a pet store or in any other way that does not allow them to thoroughly meet with and interview you to ensure that the puppy is a good match for your family and that you will provide a responsible lifelong home.

Please don't ever buy a dog without personally visiting where he or she was born and raised. Take the time now to find the right breeder and you'll thank yourself for the rest of your dog's life.

With special references from:  http://stoppuppymills.org/