It’s National Puppy Day [VIDEO]

National Puppy Day is a holiday to remember our unconditionally loving, furry friends. It encourages people to save orphaned puppies and to bring attention to the global puppy mill problem. National Puppy Day is now internationally recognized.

TheDC Shorts via YouTube

The Humane Society of The United States Puppy Mill Campaign shares information about puppy mills and helps consumers make educated decisions about how to acquire pets from humane sources.

According to the HSUS, here are seven ways you can take action to make a difference for dogs suffering in puppy mills:

1. Help make your local pet store puppy-friendly

The Puppy-Friendly Pet Stores initiative asks dog lovers everywhere to help their local pet stores implement puppy-friendly policies by refusing to sell puppies in their store and supporting homeless pet adoptions instead. Stores that already do not sell puppies can sign up to show that they are taking a stand against puppy mills and to make official their policy of not selling puppies.

2. Be an advocate

Our downloadable advocacy guide is a great resource with ideas that can help propel you into action. It also offers a detailed guide on working for passage of laws in your own community that will improve the lives of dogs in puppy mills.

Our Puppy Mill Task Force tip line is available to anyone with information on a possible crime involving puppy mills. If you witnessed deplorable conditions in person and wish to file a complaint, please call 1-877-MILL-TIP.

View our list of localities that have passed ordinances banning the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores not obtained from shelters or rescues.

Watch Our Free Webinar: "Banning the Sale of Puppy Mill Dogs at Local Pet Stores"

3. Contact your legislators

Contact your federal legislators and let them know that you're concerned about the inhumane treatment of dogs in puppy mills and want the puppy mill issue to be a priority for Congress. Ask them to expand the reach of the Animal Welfare Act to include kennels that sell large numbers of puppies directly to the public.

4. Write letters to the editor

Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper is a great way to get the word out about puppy mills. Write your own version—a short, polite letter is most effective.

5. Furnish your vet with flyers

Download and print these flyers and bring them to your veterinarian or groomer's office to help potential new pet owners avoid puppy mills.

Getting a Puppy? [PDF]

How to Find a Responsible Dog Breeder [PDF]

The Cruelty Behind the Cuteness [PDF]

6. Introduce our "Nose-to-Tail" program at your school

Are you interested in fostering a culture of kindness with elementary students? The Humane Society of the United States has developed an exciting new humane curriculum tailored for this age group. From Nose to Tail: Lessons to Inspire Care and Compassion for Dogs is available in two versions, grades K-2 and 3-5. Both explore various dog-related humane issues, with a special focus on puppy mills.

7. Shop our online store

Speak up for puppy mill dogs by wearing our Stop Puppy Mills cause gear; find it at our online store at the Animal Rescue Site.

Source: Humane Society of the United States