Since 2004, the 3rd Saturday of September is National Puppy Mill Awareness Day!

Cities throughout the United States will be hosting events on September 21st highlighting the critical need to end all inhumane commercial dog breeding facilities known as puppy mills or puppy farms.

The Ugly Facts

According to The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), there are an estimated 10,000 active puppy mills in this country.

According to the National Puppy Mill Project, there are:

• 800,000 breeding dogs in puppy mills today.
• 40,000 puppies being born every seven days (2 million puppies each year) in these breeding “factories.”

The Horrific Truth

The breeding dogs and their puppies live without the basics:

• Proper/safe housing (small cages are often stacked, exposed to the outside elements and often contain dead/dying dogs);
• Proper food/clean water;
• Proper socialization;
• Proper grooming/cleanliness;
• Proper veterinarian care; or
• Proper exercise. Most dogs will only leave their cages to be bred.

Did You Know?

• 99% of puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills according to an undercover HSUS investigation.

Don’t be fooled. These puppies are not better quality or healthier! In fact, they are often sold with false paperwork concealing any health issues.

• The Amish operate some of the most prolific puppy mills in the U.S. as a large part of their community’s economy.
• Over a 5-year span (2007-2011), over ,479 complaints were received by the HSUS!

Shockingly, these complaints revealed 40% of puppy mill puppies contracted diseases like pneumonia and parvovirus; and 34% had inherited defects! Even sadder, the HSUS believes these complaints are only a small fraction nationwide.

Source: The Humane Society of the United States

• The most common illnesses reported in puppy mill puppies:
  • Intestinal parasites (worms, giardia and coccidia)
  • Respiratory issues (bronchial infections and pneumonia)
  • Infectious diseases (parvovirus and canine distemper)
  • Ear issues (infections and mites)
  • Mange
  • Urinary infections and bladder issues
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

• The most common inherited defects reported in puppy mill puppies:
  • Seizures
  • Heart and liver defects and diseases
  • Hip, elbow or knee disorders
  • Blindness, cherry eye and cataracts
  • Deafness
  • Spinal disorders
• The most common temperament issues reported in puppy mill puppies:
  • Fearful behavior from being unsocialized (hiding, shaking and running away)
  • Aggressive behaviors (biting or snapping)
  • Abnormal behaviors (repeatedly walking in circles, eating feces and more)

7 Things You Can Do TODAY!

1. NEVER buy from a pet store! When you do, you are actively supporting and perpetuating this inhumane, multi-billion-dollar American industry. The reality is, as long as there is a demand for these puppies, the horrific puppy mills and farms will continue to exist.
2. Petition your lawmakers (local, state and federal) to legislate stronger laws and oversight to stop the cruel treatment happening every day in our nation’s commercial puppy mills. Call or email your:
   • Senators;
   • Congressmen;
   • City Council Members; and
   • State Attorney Generals

3. Educate your friends, family and neighbors. Encourage them to adopt a homeless dog instead of buying a puppy from a pet store, irresponsible backyard breeder, internet websites, flea markets or newspaper ads.

4. If you suspect a puppy has come from a puppy mill or farm, contact your local law enforcement or animal charity immediately and make a report.

5. Don’t buy any products at pet stores that sell puppies.

6. Donate, fundraise or volunteer with a local animal welfare group.

7. And always, Adopt Don’t Shop!

No matter what kind of pet shares their life with you, at some point you’re probably going to need help in caring for them. Whether it’s a daily drop-in and walk, or pet sitting while you’re out of town, you should always use a professional pet sitter or dog walker whether you’re in Fairfax, Virginia or any other city.

Keep reading to learn why.

5 Benefits a Pet Care Professional Guarantees

It can be tempting to entrust your pet to a friend, family member or even the next-door neighbor. But should you?

When inviting someone into your home to take care of your pet, it’s important to feel safe and secure in the knowledge you are using a true professional. 

Don’t be fooled by platforms offering cheaper services; cheaper is not always better especially when it comes to trusting your private space and pet in someone else’s care! The old saying, “you get what you pay for” is still true today! Besides, do you really want to take a chance with your home or pet?

Here’s what you should expect from a professional pet sitter or dog walker:

• Professionals will be licensed, bonded and insured protecting you, your home and your pet. 
• Professionals will be background checked. 
• Professionals will be certified in Pet First Aid and CPR.
• Professionals will have a variety of experience in handling all kinds, breeds and sizes of pets, including yours. Remember, there is no substitute for good old-fashioned experience. There is no book or course equal to hands-on experience.  A pet expert knows what to look for when it comes to your pet’s well-being and even more importantly, how to handle it! 

Pet sitters are your eyes and ears when it comes to addressing any issues in your absence. Curious noses and paws can get pets into trouble when they’re home alone and medical issues can creep up during the day.

• Professionals will always keep their appointments and give your pet the attention, exercise and companionship (and even medications) they need on your schedule.

5 Things You Must Do When Looking for a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter

1. Always do your due diligence. Never hire a pet sitter or dog walker sight unseen. 
2. Interview potential professionals in your home (called a “meet-and-greet”) and monitor your pet’s reaction. If your pet is uncomfortable or stays away from the pet care professional, keep looking.
3. Ask for references and contact them!
4. Use the pet care professional before an extended trip to make sure it’s a good match for everyone (and your pet).
5. Schedule services as early as possible for complete peace of mind when you can’t be there. By scheduling early, you won’t have to accept just anyone because your trusted sitter/walker is busy.

Take the time to find the paw-fect pet sitter or dog walker for you and your pet. By hiring the right professional, your pet’s well-being, comfort and safety will be ensured!

Need a dog walker in the Fairfax or Reston Virginia area?

Click here to email us now!

Kim’s Urban Hounds

We can’t wait to meet you and your pet(s) for all your pet care needs! Dog Walking, Pet sitting and House Sitting in the Fairfax and Reston Virginia areas. Dogs   ~   Cats   ~   Small Pets

Call us at 571-248-1022 or email Kim@KimsUrbanHounds.com

for your free meet-and-greet!

Image Credits (Shown in Order):

1. Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
2. Image by Pexels from Pixabay 
3. Image by  Firelong from Pixabay 
4. Image by BelaMarie from Pixabay
5. Image by Alexander Alehin from Pixabay