Collar for a Cause

Take a stand against puppy mills and animal cruelty.

Hip Hound Couture proudly introduces its campaign to raise money and awareness to help end the suffering of millions of dogs in America's puppy mills. 10% from every collar sale (leads and harnesses, too) will go towards supporting Best Friends 'Puppies Aren't Products' initiative. Visit our online store to not only pick up a new hip collar, leash or harness but to also make a difference in a dog's life.

What is a puppy mill?

A puppy mill is "breeding farm" for dogs. Dogs are kept in cages at all times, in the minimum legal space allowed (six inches larger than the dog on all sides). There is little or no human contact. Females are bred as often as possible, and when they are no longer able to "produce", they are discarded by the breeders.

Breeders who sell puppies to pet stores must hold a USDA dealer license, and many states also require breeders to obtain a license to have a dog-breeding kennel. However, the standards they must adhere to are little more than requiring minimal food, water and shelter. Furthermore, there are only a few inspectors in each state for hundreds - sometimes thousands - of licensed kennels. It is perfectly legal for licensed breeders to:

• Own 1,000 dogs or more
• Keep all dogs in small wire cages for their entire lives
• Breed dogs as often as possible

Where are puppy mill dogs sold?

Millions of people buy dogs from puppy mills each year, and most believe they are getting a dog from a "responsible" breeder. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Never, ever buy a puppy from:

• E-commerce websites
• Pet stores
• Classified ads

What is responsible breeding?

Truely responsible breeders DO NOT sell their puppies through websites, pet stores, pet dealers or classified ads. Some characteristics of responsible breeders include:

• Not only allows but encourages potential buyers/adopters to visit and tour their properties
• Keeps breeding animals healthy and well socialized
• Never keeps more dogs than they can provide with the highest level of care (clean water, proper shelter from heat/cold, exercise, socialization and professional veterinary care)
• Breeds and rears dogs in the home, where they are considered part of the family
• Screens potential guardians and openly discusses both positive and negative aspects of the breed as well as the individual dog
• Will take back any dog of their breeding at any time for any reason

To view a complete list of breeding best practices visit www.aspca.org.

What are my alternatives?

Instead of buying that cute "puppy in the window" opt to adopt instead!

• Use the Internet. Visit www.petfinder.com, the oldest and largest searchable directory on the web of animals available for adoption.
• Visit your local shelter. These groups often screen their animals for health, temperament and behavior problems. Their adoption counselors are trained specifically to match the needs of the adopter with the needs of the animal. Also 25% of animals in shelters are purebreds.
• Rescue a purebred. Every breed has dedicated rescue groups that take in and re-home breed specific pets. To find them, use www.petfinder.com or do a Google search using the breed name and the word "rescue".
• Purchase from legitimate and responsible breeders. Thoroughly investigate any breeder you are considering buying from. Research breeding best practices and make sure they adhere to guidelines suggested by the ASPCA. Visit the property and view for yourself the conditions their animals live in.

To learn more about puppy mills and what you can do to help please visit www.puppiesarentproducts.com.

Please pass this information along - spread the word to your family and friends!

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ABOUT BEST FRIENDS

Best Friends Animal Society operates the country’s largest sanctuary for homeless animals. Through the Best Friends Network, the organization reaches across the nation and around the world, helping local communities to rescue animals in distress and to set up spay/neuter, shelter, foster, and adoption programs in their own neighborhoods, cities and states. Best Friends goal is to bring about a time when there will be no more homeless pets.

The work of Best Friends is supported entirely through member donations, who help to ensure that animals who come into the care of Best Friends will never again be alone, hungry, sick, afraid, or in pain.

To learn more visit www.bestfriends.org.