Thank you for sharing on your f/b. Here is a link to a very good explanation of what exactly it means to be a USDA Regulated Commercial Kennel. The requirements that these mills must meet to be compliant are a joke. For instance, a cage must have only 6 inches room on all sides of the dog, and up to 12 dogs can be kept in one cage.

If a breeder/kennel advertises that they USDA licensed, that is usually a very good indication that you are dealing with a commercial dog breeder and not a reputable breeder.
The USDA and Puppy Mills

Very sad website, I am assuming Mad you are Kelly. Are your running this organiztion by yourself or do you have a board and a group of people that are regularly involved. It certainly would be a big task on your own.

I said to myself I wouldn't post on here again...but no a USDA kennel isn't a pup mill...it's a a serious red flag it might be but not a direct implication that's going a bit far.

I got Princess from a very large USDA AKC kennel.
I don't regret it bit probably wouldn't again.
They breed for show and working lines to support their showing. They beleive everyone has the right to get a happy healthy purebred, and to breed if they so choose to. While I think their religion dictates many if their practices they don't push it. I don't agree with the above having become more well rounded in education, however they take excellent care of their dogs, very clean, healthy, well groomed, excercised trained and loved. I doubt many could run such a tight ship, so they maybe usda but they are not a pupmill they lovingly care for the dogs and pups, I feel they are an acception.

Perhaps what they are is what a pup mill should ve then we can complain solely on tge breeding beleifss business aspect etc.

Teapup.com

Btw tgey have 6'x6' kennels and runs. They just started a 2whiner walk a day policy via their own min requirements not including open area play time.
This should be the USDA MINIMUM TOO!

Teegy can anyone join this group as the link says it is a closed group? As you may or may not know...lol...i'm in Whitby, about half hour from T.O.

just click on join group and I am sure when one of the admins get your request then they will put you in the group, unless LOL you are a really bad person and your reputation has perceeded you. Hope you know I am kidding, I sent a request to join just so I could get ideas, hopefully they let me in since I am going to steal some of their ideas. Teegy PLEASE vouch for me:D

The way the laws read now, the only reason a kennel/breeder/mill must be USDA licensed, is if they do not sell directely to the public (i,.e., pet shops or third party brokers). A humane breeder has no reason to be USDA licensed.
A puppy mill breeder may have many breeds of dogs for sale at the same time. A humane breeder will work with one breed at a time.
A puppy mill breeder usually will not allow customers to view their property or kennel. A humane breeder will welcome you into their home and kennel area.
A puppy mill breeder may offer to ship a puppy to the new owner without meeting you first. A humane breeder is eager to meet you and your family first.
A puppy mill breeder won’t require an application or references from a buyer. A humane breeder will require a completed application (contract) and possibly additional references.
A puppy mill breeder does not ask buyers to return the dog or contact them if at any point in the dog’s life the owners cannot keep the dog. A humane breeder will tell you that if there if ever a reason that you cannot keep the dog, contact them and they will take the dog back.
A puppy mill breeder has a very large kennel, usually owning 50 to several hundred dogs or more. A humane breeder will have sufficient kennel space with a limited amount of puppies available at one time.
A puppy mill breeder breeds females every time they come into heat. A humane breeder will skip heat cycles and give enough recovery time as necessary.
A puppy mill breeder is USDA licensed (in many cases) so that they can sell puppies to pet stores. This is a red flag that a breeder is in the “profit only” business. A humane breeder has no reason to be USDA licensed.
A puppy mill breeder will not screen their puppies for genetic defects. A humane breeder will have all the appropriate screenings completed on all the puppies for sale. They will present screening certificates to the new owners.
A puppy mill breeder will not tell you of any health problems the puppy may have. A humane breeder will be upfront and honest.
A puppy mill breeder prefers to deal with cash and will not offer you a payment plan. A humane breeder will not insist on only a cash deal. And they may offer a payment plan beginning with an initial deposit.
A puppy mill breeder does not put the welfare of the dogs/puppies first. A humane breeder's main focus is the welfare of the dogs/puppies.
A puppy mill breeder will buy and sell dogs at a dog auction. A humane breeder would never step near a dog auction.

Yes, that is me. Right now, it is myself, husband, and three daughters. Our goal is to be an organized, nonprofit within the year. Unfortunately, it takes quite a bit of time, money, and expertise to become one; but we are working towards it. Right now, our main focus is on educating the public and fundraising for rescue groups who are recognized nonprofits by sponsoring the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption expenses of puppy mill dogs that they rescue.

Someone needs to reread USDA regulations.

Im personally very aware of what a pup mill is and isnt some of your definitions are off in determination.
You're too general many pup mills offer the same innitial responses a responsible breeder would.
Several responsible breeders here breed and show more rhan one breed.

Also raw hide kills dogs, please do not give it away in prize packages anymore.

There is an exception to every rule, and I'm glad that you know of a large scale, USDA licensed facility that is well run! Would you mind sharing the name of them?

Reread my post I clearly put their site there, in fact they are in your side of the country. They offer tours

Of course i know your're kidding!!! i'm a good girl...most of the time....:D

Are you absolutely sure they are USDA licensed? I don't see it anywhere on their website (although could be missing it), but most importantly, I cannot find them anywhere on the USDA Inspection Report site, either by the kennel name or their last name. Actually, there is not a licensced kennel in that town/state at all.

While looks can certainly be deceiving, their operation looks top notch, and I'd be very surprised if they sold to pet shops, etc.....

Again, exception to every rule; however, this is a good beginning for someone who is trying to find a reputable breeder to refer to, and 9 times out of 10, is spot on.

Yours may be a good breeder I dont know but most USDA breeders are operating large scale operations and are puppymills