Beware these red flags when buying a puppy
Never Buy from a Retail Pet Store
Over 90% of puppies sold in pet stores are from puppy mills. If you want a purebred dog, find a breed specific rescue. NEVER but from a retail pet store.
They Don't Care if you Spay/Neuter.
Good breeders don't want amateurs messing with the bloodlines. A good breeder will insist that you spay/neuter the dog (and have you sign an agreement). If you don't comply, the offspring will not be eligible "for papers."
They are Licensed
by the USDA
Dogs in these facilities are considered livestock. As such, they are not protected under the same animal cruelty laws that apply to dogs in homes.
You Ignore Your Gut
Do not let your desire for a puppy or a specific breed override your judgement. If you encounter any of these red flags, don't fall for excuses. And don't ignore that little voice in your head (the one that just asked, "What little voice in my head?) if it's telling you something is not right. Notice if you're overlooking red flags just because you want the puppy. It's better to work with a reputable rescue, breeder, or wait for the breed to show up in an animal shelter.
Have patience.
Located in the Midwest
While not all puppy mills are located in the Midwest, the vast majority of them are.
Will Not Let you See Operations
If they insist on meeting you off site, on a highway, and/or will not let you meet the parent dogs, that's sketchy. Steer clear if they offer shipping. No reputable breeder would ship puppies off. There should be no reason that you cannot visit the breeder's operations.
They Have Multiple Breeds Available at all Times
Reputable breeders typically stick to one breed and possess a deep understanding of that breed's health and concerns, genetic background, temperament, and official breed standard. If they always have puppies available, it should make you ask how many breeding dogs they have and/or are they forcing females to have back-to-back litters.
No Screening
Good breeders want to make sure their dogs are going to good homes. If you weren't screened, it's not a good sign. By screening, we mean the breeder will be asking you questions.
It Feels Transactional
Working with a reputable breeders feels like an adoption. You were screened, they checked references, they asked questions of you to make sure you're prepared to undertake adopting the particular breed you're adopting. If obtaining the puppy was as simple as forking over the money, that's not a reputable breeder.
Lack of Medical History
A reputable breeder will provide paperwork of everything that the puppy has received (vaccines, etc.) and will make sure you understand what is still needed in the way of vaccines and other care. If this is not provided - don't walk, RUN.
Florida's Puppy Lemon Law & SB 1004:​
Know Your Rights Before You Buy ​​
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Buying a puppy should be a joyful experience—not the beginning of a heartbreaking and expensive medical crisis. Unfortunately, puppies sold through pet stores and commercial breeders can arrive in their new homes with illnesses or diseases that may not become apparent until after the sale.
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Florida law provides important consumer protections for people who purchase dogs and cats. These protections are found in Florida Statute 828.29, sometimes referred to as Florida's "Puppy Lemon Law." In 2026, additional protections took effect through SB 1004, strengthening consumer rights and increasing requirements for pet dealers.
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What Is Florida's Puppy Lemon Law?
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​​Consumers have rights when a veterinarian determines that a recently purchased dog or cat was unfit for purchase because of illness or disease under this law. The law generally covers those selling more than two litters or more than 20 dogs or cats per year to the public. County and city animal control agencies and registered nonprofit humane organizations are exempt.
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Depending on the circumstances, a consumer may have the right to:
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Return the animal and receive a refund of the purchase price and certain related expenses.
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Keep the animal and seek reimbursement for certain veterinary costs.
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Exchange the animal for another animal of equivalent value.
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The law contains specific requirements, timeframes, documentation requirements, and procedures. Consumers should carefully review the law and keep copies of all veterinary records, receipts, sales documents, financing agreements, and communications with the seller.
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SB 1004: Stronger Protections for Florida Consumers
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Effective July 1, 2026, Florida strengthened protections involving the sale of dogs and cats through SB 1004, now enacted as Chapter 2026-76. Among other changes, the legislation expanded consumer protections when an animal is determined to be unfit for purchase because of illness or disease.
More Time to Act
The law increased the timeframe for consumers to pursue certain remedies from 14 days to 30 days after the sale. It also extended the time for consumers to notify the pet dealer of a veterinarian's determination from 2 business days to 7 business days.
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Access to medical records
Pet dealers are required to provide consumers with copies of specified medical records relating to the animal. This gives buyers more information about the puppy or kitten they are purchasing and helps ensure important medical documentation is available to the consumer.
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Clearer consumer disclosures
The legislation strengthened requirements for the written information and notices consumers must receive regarding their rights and the animal's sale. Pet dealers must also retain required documentation for the period specified by law.
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Greater transparency about financing
SB 1004 requires financial terms to be disclosed to consumers and includes additional protections involving financed pet purchases.
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Protection when a financed sale is terminated
If an animal is determined to be unfit for purchase because of illness or disease and the consumer elects to return the animal under the law, the pet financing arrangement must be terminated without penalty to the consumer. The legislation also provides for the refund of certain interest and fees in addition to other applicable costs.
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If Your Newly Purchased Dog Becomes Sick
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If your puppy becomes ill shortly after purchase:
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Take the animal to a licensed veterinarian as soon as possible.
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Keep copies of all medical records, diagnoses, invoices, and receipts.
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Keep your sales contract, health certificate, financing documents, and all paperwork provided by the seller.
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Notify the seller in writing and keep a copy of your communication.
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Review Florida Statute 828.29 carefully, paying close attention to applicable deadlines and requirements.
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Florida's Puppy Lemon Law and the protections strengthened by SB 1004 are important tools for consumers—but prevention remains the best protection. Responsible buyers should always know where their puppy came from and should never be afraid to walk away from a sale that raises questions or concerns.
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Adoption Remains the Best Option
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The best way to avoid supporting the commercial breeding pipeline—and risking the nightmare of becoming emotionally attached to a puppy that may have serious health issues—is to adopt from a shelter or reputable rescue.
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Shelters and rescues provide valuable information about an animal's health, behavior, and needs. Many animals are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before adoption, which helps reduce some of the initial expenses associated with bringing home a new pet.
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Perhaps most importantly, adoption does not create additional demand for commercially bred puppies. Every year, shelters and rescues care for dogs who need homes through no fault of their own. Choosing to adopt gives one of those animals a chance while helping reduce the demand that keeps the commercial puppy industry in business.
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Before buying a puppy, visit your local shelter or research local rescues and choose adoption. Help create a world where puppy mills are a thing of the past.