Where do puppies come from, before you bring them into your home?
Our unique research into the puppy mill industry has helped drive change across the country in order to enhance the lives of companion animals that exist within the commercial dog breeding industry now and in the future. Through Freedom of Information Act requests, our team forensically audits government health records and inspection records in order to make that information public so the consumer is able to do their research before they buy.
Below you will find a list of some of the research that we have done into some of the nation’s most recognized puppy businesses. Everything that we do can be independently verified through obtaining FOIA requests from governmental agencies across the country.
Academic Research
A major focus of our work is our academic research, which analyzes industry trends, regulatory gaps, and the impact of puppy mills on animal welfare, using data-driven approaches to inform policy and educate the public. Our work has been cited by universities, lawmakers, the media, as well as advocacy groups, which only serves to reinforce our role as a trusted resource in the fight against puppy mills.
Field Research
Bailing Out Benji’s field research program involves members of our team collecting firsthand data on commercial dog breeding facilities, brokering facilities, and more in order to get a deeper understanding of the industry we’ve been working to change. We are able to use our experience and knowledge to see the gaps that can occur with licensing, inspections, and enforcement. Our Field Research also takes us into the communities where our teams are actively educating in order for us to connect with the puppy-buying public directly.
If you are interested in donating towards our research costs, click on the button below.
State Laws Overview (The Patchwork of Regulation)
Dog breeding and pet sales laws vary dramatically from state to state, creating a patchwork of oversight across the country. Some states enforce strict standards and transparency requirements, while others rely primarily on federal minimums. This section compares state laws side by side so you can see how your state measures up. Understanding the legal landscape is the first step toward meaningful reform.
View our State Laws and Policy Research here
State & Federally Licensed Dog and Cat Breeder Research
This directory allows you to search more than 5,000 state-licensed and/or federally licensed breeders to review inspection reports, compliance history, and regulatory oversight. Using public records from state departments of agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), we organize complex information into one accessible place.
View our Dog and Cat Breeder Research here
USDA Broker Research
USDA-licensed brokers act as middlemen in the commercial pet trade, often transporting puppies between breeders and pet stores across state lines. In this section, you can review inspection reports, license status, and enforcement records for federally licensed brokers regulated under the USDA, as well as which breeders they buy from. Brokers play a significant role in the supply chain, yet they are often the least understood by the public. This directory sheds light on that critical link.
View our USDA Broker Research here
Pet Store Research
Our Pet Store Research directory allows you to look up puppy stores across the country and review documented sourcing information, inspection histories, and known connections to problematic facilities. We compile publicly available records to provide transparency about where puppies are coming from. Consumers deserve to know who is behind the glass. This section helps you make informed decisions before you buy.
View our Puppy Store Research here
Online Sales & Puppy Brokering Websites Research
Online puppy sales have expanded rapidly, often operating across multiple states with limited transparency for consumers. This section examines major puppy marketplaces and brokering websites, their sourcing practices, and documented connections to licensed breeders and brokers.
View our Online Broker Research here
Nationwide Puppy-Laundering Scheme and Sham Rescues: In response to the nationwide movement to pass laws against selling puppies in pet stores, commercial breeders are becoming licensed rescues in order to continue selling puppies where it is illegal to do so. Our nonprofit is leading the way on these investigations and enforcement. Learn more about puppy laundering here.
The research we do can be very costly but it has proven to be the most effective tool advocates have in order to create change in their communities.
If you are interested in donating towards our research costs, click on the button below.
Did you buy a puppy and want to learn more about where it came from? Was your puppy sick and you need help filing complaints?
Contact us through the form below and our team will get back to you.