Should I Adopt a Dog Rescued from a Puppy Mill?

When we hear about dogs who have been rescued from suspected puppy mills (read more about puppy mills), animal lovers in the community can always be counted on to demonstrate an outpouring of love, support, and offers to give these dogs new homes. Such offers are generous and genuine, but are sometimes made without knowledge of the reality of fitting a dog with special needs into their families.

PAWS does not want to discourage individuals from offering their hearts and homes to a former puppy mill dog in need. We simply want people to be aware of the potential problems that may occur. Although many of these animals can become good companions, they might not ever be extroverted, happy-go-lucky pups. The commitment of time, patience, training and health care needs often exceed what the average pet guardian can manage.

The Wrong Reason
Potential adopters must ask themselves, “Do I really want a pet? Or am I reacting with a sympathetic response to the horrors of animal neglect?” These have to be answered by anyone thinking about adopting an animal from a puppy mill. While feeling compassion for these animals is normal, it should not be the only reason for wanting to adopt one. Adopting any animal is an enormous responsibility and entails a change in lifestyle. To enter into such a commitment with an animal who is sure to have health, behavior, and emotional problems is something that must be given serious consideration.

Health and Behavior Issues
Animals rescued from puppy mills typically have numerous medical problems and will require long-term, special medical attention. Because they often live their lives in cages, many of these animals are also not housetrained. An un-housetrained dog requires an enormous investment of time and patience to “unlearn” bad habits and learn new ones.

Depending on how long the animals were in the abusive and neglectful situation and at what age they were put there, their behavior problems may not be reversible. Many abused animals are unsocialized and distrustful of people. Great care must be taken to properly contain them. Should they escape, it will usually be extremely difficult to retrieve them. Many will react in fear and will try at all costs to avoid being handled by anyone in pursuit of them.

Temperament Issues
Many of these animals require a great deal of patience before they accept their new guardians as friends. It is very disheartening to adopt an abused dog, expecting some gratitude, only to find that the dog doesn’t trust you—he hides, will not eat in front of you, runs away when you call, and prefers to be left alone.

Extraordinary efforts are required to train and socialize them. It is a lifetime commitment. Some of this unsociable, fearful, depressed behavior can be overcome with time, persistence and patience, but sometimes these animals remain on the periphery of family life.

Eating Disorders
Neglected dogs have often been deprived of food and water for long periods of time. As a result, many of these animals have eating disorders. Sometimes they will gulp their food so fast they vomit, or refuse to eat in front of anyone. Many times they have been forced to eat rodents or each other to survive, so they must be carefully watched around other small pets and children.

How to Help
Those who aren't ready to adopt can help in other ways, by making a donation to PAWS or by bringing in these much-needed supplies to PAWS (hours and directions) for the rescued puppy mill dogs:

• Small dog collars
• Small dog toys
• Canned adult dog food
• Towels of all sizes

Remember, PAWS cares for and finds homes for thousands of dogs and cats year-round. Not all animals in shelters have so many special needs: some are just in transition between homes. Consider adopting an animal who is already available, volunteer your time, or stop by and see what PAWS is all about.

Information in this fact sheet courtesy of the July-August 1996 Animal Sheltering, published by the Humane Society of the United States