While no state in the U.S. has fully banned puppy mills, several have implemented laws and regulations that aim to restrict or regulate commercial breeding operations to prevent the worst practices associated with puppy mills. Some states have stronger laws than others, focusing on issues like breeding limits, health standards, and inspections.

Here are some states that have made significant strides in regulating or attempting to curb puppy mills…

California

• California has some of the strictest puppy mill laws in the country. The state passed the California Pet Rescue and Adoption Act (2017), which requires pet stores to only sell animals from rescues, shelters, or breeders who comply with specific welfare regulations.
• Bans commercial breeding unless breeders meet humane standards. The state also mandates that breeding operations be licensed and inspected regularly.

Oregon

• Oregon passed a law in 2011 that bans puppy mills by limiting the number of dogs a breeder can have without licensing. It also imposes strict requirements for the care and treatment of dogs in breeding facilities, including proper veterinary care, socialization, and space.

Michigan

• Michigan’s Puppy Mill Law (2009) requires commercial breeders to register, be inspected, and meet specific standards for animal care. The law limits the number of dogs a breeder can own and requires humane conditions for animals.

New York

• New York passed the Pet Dealer Law in 2010, which regulates the breeding, sale, and transport of pets, including puppies. It includes provisions for licensing breeders and requires that puppies be raised in safe, clean environments with sufficient socialization.
• In 2019, New York City banned the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores, effectively closing down a major market for puppy mills.

Washington

• Washington has strong regulations for breeders, requiring them to be licensed and limiting the number of breeding dogs they can own. The law also mandates regular inspections and humane conditions for dogs, addressing some of the worst practices found in puppy mills.

Massachusetts

• Massachusetts has passed numerous laws to regulate the commercial breeding of dogs, including requirements for licensing, inspections, and health standards. The state’s puppy mill laws aim to prevent overcrowding, poor living conditions, and unregulated breeding.

Colorado

• Colorado has enacted the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA), which requires dog breeders to be licensed and subject to regular inspections. It sets standards for animal care and welfare, aiming to prevent puppy mill conditions.

Pennsylvania

• Pennsylvania is home to a large number of puppy mills, but it has made significant improvements in recent years. The 2017 Dog Law made it mandatory for all commercial breeders to comply with inspections and maintain humane conditions for the dogs.
• While this doesn’t completely eliminate puppy mills, it provides more oversight and accountability for breeders.

Nevada

• Nevada has implemented laws that require breeders to be licensed and adhere to basic welfare standards, including adequate space, food, and veterinary care. Some local ordinances in Clark County (Las Vegas) ban the sale of puppies from commercial breeders in pet stores.

Illinois

• Illinois passed the Animal Welfare Act, which includes regulations for breeder licenses, inspections, and humane treatment. The state has a limited number of commercial breeders, and regulations are stricter than in many other states.

States with Local Efforts or Bans

Several cities and counties have local bans or restrictions on puppy mills or the sale of puppies from mills, even if state laws are not as strict.

• Los Angeles and San Francisco (California) have laws banning pet stores from selling puppies from commercial breeders.
• Chicago (Illinois) has stricter regulations that target puppy mills, including banning the sale of puppies from mills in pet stores.

No state has completely banned puppy mills, but many have implemented regulations to limit their practices and improve the welfare of dogs. Some states, like California, Oregon, and New York, have stronger laws that address puppy mills more effectively, while others are still working to enforce humane standards. Even in states without comprehensive laws, there are often local regulations that aim to shut down or limit the operations of puppy mills. If you’re concerned about puppy mills, always research the breeder’s practices and adopt from reputable sources like shelters or rescue organizations.