©Bailing Out Benji 2021
All research and information was done by the volunteer team at Bailing Out Benjiand therefore must be cited as such when shared or quoted.
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Bailing Out Benji is a small nonprofit organization that started in Ames, Iowa and now has volunteer teams all over the country. We are all committed to raising awareness about the puppy mill issue, particularly the connection to pet stores and the websites they sell through.
One of our main programs is to research the puppy mill industry by obtaining government health records that are required when animals cross state lines. To date, we have connected nearly 400 pet stores in 33 states to the puppy mills and commercial facilities they buy from. We have also been instrumental in researching and exposing the nationwide puppy-laundering scheme and well as documenting the hundreds of breeders that USDA brokers obtain animals from.
Through our records requests, we were able to obtain hundreds of Certificates of Veterinary Inspection connecting some of the largest commercial breeders in the country to PuppySpot, an online broker that sells thousands of puppies annually to customers who are not told where their puppy was born until after purchase. PuppySpot, much like the pet stores, boasts to have a ‘no puppy mill promise’ and claims to have ‘rigorous’ standards for their breeders. Sadly, our research has proven that isn’t always true.
Below you will find a list of all of the breeders we have records on that PuppySpot brokered animals from in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Every connection we have listed below is backed up with a CVI. There are likely many more facilities that this website brokers puppies from and we will keep adding them below as we obtain documentation on them. Our goal with this list is to provide the transparency that isn’t available to the general public before they purchase animals.
Please remember, the safest way to avoid buying an animal from a puppy mill is to visit the facility in person and to do your research before you buy.
All of this information is incredibly costly to obtain. If you are able to make a donation to help us continue our important work, we would greatly appreciate it!
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- Aden Yoder. Millersburg, Ohio- This facility dropped their USDA license in 2015 after numerous Federal violations which included severe dental disease on the adults; lack of record keeping; wire flooring so wide that the dog’s paws were falling through; and dogs without adequate kennel space. At the time of their last USDA inspection, Yoder had 69 adult breeding dogs on their property. In 2014 this facility was written up for having a dog with a chain embedded in her neck, with open wounds and no veterinary care. Aden Yoder appears to be a regular supplier and we have records of them selling Bichon Frise, Cockapoo, Yorkie and a Yorkiepoo through PuppySpot. Interestingly enough, Aden Yoder is not licensed by the USDA at the address he provides on the CVIs. Instead, the animals are likely coming from Mary Yoder, who’s USDA license is on the same property with a slightly different address. At the time of her last USDA inspection in May of 2019, Mary had 118 adult breeding dogs and 94 puppies on her property.
- Adrian Kemp. Loogootee, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Siberian Husky through PuppySpot.
- Adrian Martin. Goshen, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 32 adult breeding dogs at the time of their January 2021 inspection. We have record of them selling a Poodle through PuppySpot.
- Allen Lengacher. Spencerville, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Siberian Husky through PuppySpot.
- Alvin Brenneman, Cedar Creek Bulldogs & Supplies LLC. Portland, Indiana- At the time of their last USDA inspection in March 2020, this facility had 109 adult breeding dogs. Alvin Brenneman appears to be a regular supplier and we have records of them selling Goldendoodles, Golden Retrievers, and English Bulldogs through PuppySpot. This facility also sell puppies through pet stores
- Amos King. Greens Fork, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 12 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in August 2019. We have record of them selling a Pembroke Welsh Corgi through PuppySpot.
- Amy Miller. Middlebury, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Goldendoodle through PuppySpot.
- Abby Anderson and family, Arrow Valley LLC FKA Sugar Fork Kennels. Goodman, Missouri- This facility had 157 adult breeding dogs and 163 puppies at their May 2021 inspection. Under their old license number and name (Sugar Fork Kennels), this facility had a direct violation due to an inspector finding an extremely thin adult breeding dog with very prominent hips and spine, as well as white gums. The dog had not been seen by a veterinarian. In order to hide this violation, they changed license numbers and names. We have records of them selling a Great Dane, Pug, and a Shih Tzu through PuppySpot. This facility also sells puppies to pet stores.
- Benuel Stoltzfus. Williamsburg, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 15 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in July 2019. We have records of them selling Cockapoos through PuppySpot.
- Bobbie Smith, Puppy Match. Richland, Missouri– This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 49 adult breeding dogs at the time of last inspection in January 2021. We have records of them selling a Cavapoo, Goldendoodle, and a King Charles Cavalier through PuppySpot. This facility also sells puppies to pet stores.
- Brenda Wyrick. Everton, Missouri- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA but is licensed by the State of Missouri. We have records of them selling Boxers through PuppySpot.
- Carla Brovont, Paws N Play Kennel. Elroy, Wisconsin- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 89 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in April 2021. We have record of them selling a English Springer Spaniel through PuppySpot.
- Cassandra Wans and Bradley Wans, ABC Countryside Farm and Kennel. Stoutland, Missouri- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 52 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in February 2021. We have records of this facility selling a Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, and a Shichon through PuppySpot.
- Dale Bontrager. Shipshewana, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 105 adult breeding dogs and 107 puppies at the time of their last inspection in September 2019. Dale Bontrager appears to be a regular supplier and we have records of them selling a Cockapoo, Cocker Spaniels, King Charles Cavaliers, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Mini Schnauzers through PuppySpot.
- Dale Bontrager. Goshen, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Mini Schnauzer through PuppySpot.
- Daniel Wengerd, Country Classic Pets. Millersburg, Ohio- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 67 adult breeding dogs on their property at the time of their last inspection in November 2019. We have record of them selling a Australian Shepherd through PuppySpot.
- Danny Schrock and Kristine Schrock. Coalgate, Oklahoma- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 52 adult breeding dogs and 57 puppies at the time of their last inspection in September 2019. We have record of them selling a Bernedoodle through PuppySpot. This facility also sells puppies to pet stores.
- Darral Schwartz and Gloria Schwartz, Woodland Canines. Ligonier, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 25 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in September 2019. We have record of them selling a French Bulldog through PuppySpot.
- Darrin Yoder and Tonya Yoder, Dawsons Pets. New Paris, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 17 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in November 2019. We have records of them selling Labradoodles through PuppySpot.
- David Bradenberger and Loretta Bradenberger. Woodburn, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Goldendoodle through PuppySpot.
- David Miller, Pine View Kennels. Millersburg, Ohio- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 80 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in March 2020. This facility had three teachable moments on their last two inspections which included frayed edges on carpet squares in puppy enclosures and edges in an enclosure with sharp points. We have record of them selling a Bernedoodle through PuppySpot.
- Delmar Hochstetler. Middlebury, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Goldendoodle through PuppySpot.
- Devon Yoder. Shipshewana, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 52 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last federal inspection in July 2019. We have record of them selling a Boston Terrier through PuppySpot.
- Dewayne Yoder. Millersburg, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Goldendoodle through PuppySpot.
- Enos Graber and Ada Graber. Woodburn, Indiana- This facility is USDA licensed and changes their license number frequently. They had 22 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in November 2019. We have records of them selling a Dalmatian and Olde English Bulldogge through PuppySpot.
- Gerald Frey. Millersburg, Indiana- This facility is USDA licensed and had 15 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in September 2019. We have records of them selling a Bernedoodle and a Shetland Sheepdog through PuppySpot.
- Henry Miller. Baltic, Ohio- This facility is USDA licensed and had 37 adult breeding dogs and 57 puppies on their property at the time of their last inspection in March 2020. We have record of them selling a Goldendoodle through PuppySpot.
- Homer Slabaugh and Regina Slabaugh, Sunrise Kennel. Nappanee, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 33 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last USDA inspection in November 2019. We have records of them selling a Goldendoodle and Rottweilers through PuppySpot.
- James A Wagler, Daystar Puppies. Loogootee, Indiana- This facility licensed by the USDA and had 49 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in June 2019. We have record of them selling a Boston Terrier through PuppySpot.
- Jamie Sissel, Ashunees Yorkies. Nixa, Missouri- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 43 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in July 2019. We have record of them selling a Yorkie through PuppySpot.
- Jeremy Yoder. Millersburg, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Bernedoodle through PuppySpot.
- Jesse Jay Graber and Neoma Graber. New Haven, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 39 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last USDA inspection in March 2021. We have records of them selling a Basset Hound and a Bernese Mountain Dog through PuppySpot.
- Joe Wickey and David Wickey, Maumee Kennels. Spencerville, Indiana- This is a newly licensed USDA facility that had 7 adult breeding dogs at the time of their first and last inspection in February 2020. We have record of them selling a Siberian Husky through PuppySpot.
- John Otto. Ligonier, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 34 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in May 2021. We have records of them selling Cockapoos through PuppySpot. This facility also sells puppies to pet stores and brokers.
- John Troyer. Topeka, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 56 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in September 2019. John Troyer appears to be a regular supplier and we have records of them selling Goldendoodles, a Golden Retriever, Poodles, and Shih Tzus through PuppySpot.
- Jonathan Raber. Loogootee, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 32 adult breeding dogs and 60 puppies at the time of their last inspection in January 2021. We have record of them selling a Golden Retriever through PuppySpot. This facility also sells puppies to pet stores and brokers.
- Joshua Lengacher. Grabill, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have records of them selling Siberian Huskies through PuppySpot.
- Karen Yoder. Fredericksburg, Ohio- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have records of them selling a Boston Terrier through PuppySpot.
- Kayle Stump. Downing, Missouri- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 20 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in January 2020. We have record of them selling a Maltipoo through PuppySpot.
- Kelli Vanderviet, D&K Vanderviet Inc. Colton, South Dakota- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 77 adult breeding dogs and 68 puppies at the time of last inspection in December 2020. We have records of them selling Goldendoodles through PuppySpot.
- Ken Lee Raber. Montgomery, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Siberian Husky through PuppySpot.
- Lela Graber and Nathan Graber. Montgomery, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 8 adult breeding dogs at the time of last inspection in March 2021. We have record of them selling a Yorkie through PuppySpot.
- Leroy Z Esh, Little Paws Kennel. Greens Fork, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 49 adult breeding dogs at the time of last inspection in March 2020. We have records of them selling a Schnoodle and Shih Tzu through PuppySpot.
- Lester A Raber, Cedar Valley Puppies Llc. Odon, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 35 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last February 2020 inspection. We have record of them selling a Golden Retriever through PuppySpot. This facility also sells puppies to pet stores.
- Levi Chupp and Malinda Chupp, Chupp Farms Canine LLC. Greentown, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 21 adult breeding dogs at the time of their las inspection in May 2021. We have record of them selling a Bernedoodle through PuppySpot.
- Linda S Jarrell and Glenda G Cobb, Jaco Kennel. Hulbert, Oklahoma. This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 177 adult breeding dogs and 96 puppies at the time of their last inspection in May 2019. We have record of them selling a Coton De Tulear through PuppySpot.
- Lisa Walker, Precious Puppy Paws. Winnsboro, Texas- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 32 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in January 2021. We have record of them selling a Morkie through PuppySpot.
- Lloyd and Margaret Graber. Grabill, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Shiba Inu through PuppySpot.
- Lonnie Miller. Topeka, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Rottweiler through PuppySpot.
- Lynn Yoder. Shipshewana, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 13 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in December 2019. We have record of them selling a Yorkie through PuppySpot.
- Marlin Miller. Sugarcreek, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Maltipoo through PuppySpot.
- Marlin Raber. Odon, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 14 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in December 2019. We have record of them selling Pembroke Welsh Corgis through PuppySpot. This facility also sells puppies to pet stores and brokers.
- Marlin Schmucker. Woodburn, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Labrador Retriever through PuppySpot.
- Martin Stoll and Malinda Stoll, Country Road Canines. Loogootee, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 33 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in October 2019. We have record of them selling a Chihuahua through PuppySpot. This facility also sells puppies to pet stores.
- Melvin P Knepp. Montgomery, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 74 adult breeding dogs and 70 puppies at the time of last inspection in March 2019. We have records of them selling a Cavachon, King Charles Cavalier, Shih Tzus, and a ShihPoo through PuppySpot.
- Merlin Bontrager, MKB Kennel. Topeka, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 15 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in May 2019. We have record of them selling a ShihTzu through PuppySpot.
- Myron J Hochstetler. Shipshewana, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 70 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in March 2021. We have record of them selling Boston Terriers, Cavapoo, Cavalier, and Havanese through PuppySpot. This facility also sells puppies to pet stores.
- Myron Miller, A and M Kennel AKA Carlisle Cavaliers. Millersburg, Ohio- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 65 adult breeding dogs on their property at the time of their last inspection in June 2019. We have record of them selling a Cavachon through PuppySpot.
- Nathan Force and Emily Roberts. Valley Center, Kansas- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Great Dane through PuppySpot.
- Noah Sanders and Patricia Sanders, Pick of the Litter. Eagle Rock, Missouri- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 47 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in March 2021. We have record of them selling a French Bulldog through PuppySpot.
- Norma Kemp and Larry Kemp, Kemps Kennells (their spelling). Loogootee, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 6 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in January 2020. We have record of them selling a Golden Retriever through PuppySpot.
- Omer Miller, Whispering Pines Pets. Lagrange, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 12 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in May 2019. We have record of them selling a Cockapoo and a Mini Goldendoodle through PuppySpot.
- Orvan Beechy, Coppertop Quality Pets. Wolcottville, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 16 adult breeding dogs at the time of last inspection in July 2019. We have records of this facility selling Poodles through PuppySpot.
- Pam Mclin, McLin’s Critter Corral. Bevier, Missouri- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 69 adult breeding dogs at the time of her last inspection in July 2020. Pam Mclin appears to be a regular supplier and we have records of them selling Dachshunds, English Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers and Labradors through PuppySpot.
- Paul Z King. Fountain City, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 39 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in May 2021. We have record of them selling a Maltese through PuppySpot. This facility also sells puppies to pet stores.
- Richard Lambright. Lagrange, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 9 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in September 2019. We have record of them selling a Poodle through PuppySpot.
- Rosa Zehr. Grabill, Indiana- This facility is/was licensed by the USDA, their history is complicated. After receiving two teachable moments under one license in 2018, they cancelled and got another. In 2020, Zehr cancelled this new license after receiving a violation for not showing up for an inspection. Now there is a third license at the exact same address under a different name: “Amanda Eicher, Rhoda Graber and Aimee Graber, Dutch Creek Kennel”. We have record of Rosa Zehr selling a Yorkie through PuppySpot.
- Ruth Schwartz. Harlan, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Labrador through PuppySpot.
- Samuel Yoder, Shady Grove Kennel. Hutchinson, Kansas- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 28 adult breeding dogs at the time of last inspection in April 2021. This facility has had ‘teachable moments’ on the last two inspections, one of which included: “The floor covering in the alley-way between the dog enclosures inside the kennel building is torn-up with loose edges present.” We have record of them selling a French Bulldog through PuppySpot.
- Stacy Vandergriff and Cathy Vandergriff. Middlebury, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Goldendoodle through PuppySpot.
- Stanley Graber. Montgomery, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 18 adult breeding dogs at the time of last inspection in February 2021. We have record of them selling a Toy Poodle through PuppySpot.
- Steve Miller. Shipshewana, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Goldendoodle through PuppySpot.
- Steven Yoder. Lagrange, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 17 adult breeding dogs at the time of last inspection in March 2021. We have record of them selling a Bull Mastiff through PuppySpot. This facility also sells puppies to pet stores.
- Wayne Eash. Ligonier, Indiana- This facility appears to be unlicensed by the USDA. We have record of them selling a Pomeranian through PuppySpot.
- William Bradenberger and Marlene Bradenberger. Grabill, Indiana- This facility is licensed by the USDA and had 11 adult breeding dogs at the time of their last inspection in November 2019. We have record of them selling a Labrador Retriever through PuppySpot.
As stated above, these are just the connections that we have record on. There are likely many more facilities supplying PuppySpot that we aren’t aware of. We will update the list as we find more connections. If you want to learn more about puppy mills and what we are doing to fight them, please check out our podcast and Youtube show “Truth, Lies and Puppy Mills“.
Signs that your dog may have come from a puppy mill:
- If you bought it at a pet store. Responsible breeders don’t sell to pet stores, and most national breed clubs prohibit members from doing so.
- If you had a dog shipped to you and your breeder required little or no information from you before shipping you a puppy or meeting you offsite.
- If you bought from a third-party website — think Amazon for puppies— and weren’t told the name of the breeder who owns the parent dogs or weren’t toldbefore late in the purchasing process.
- If a breeder has several different breeds available on their website and seems to always have puppies for sale; both are signs they have lots of breeding dogs on their property.
- If the breeder cannot prove they have genetically tested their parent dogs to ensure healthy puppies, or has a short-term “health guarantee,” or requires you to send the puppy back for reimbursement or trade.
How to avoid supporting a puppy mill:
- Avoid pet stores, newspaper ads, and online websites! Reputable breeders do not sell through third parties.
- Visit the breeder in person and ask questions! Ask to see the entire facility where the dogs are bred and kept. Our volunteers coined the term ‘Show Me The Mommy’ and reputable breeders would have no issues allowing you to meet the parents.
- Ask for all inspection reports (including dog counts) and ask for proof that the parent dogs have gone through OFA testing to insure they are genetically healthy to breed.
- Look into the National Breed Club for references on reputable breeders and then research those recommendations.
- Adopt from a shelter or rescue instead! Save a life and adopt a dog. You can find many breeds in shelters and rescues across the country.
Again, all of this information is incredibly costly to obtain. If you are able to make a donation to our nonprofit to help us continue our important work, we would greatly appreciate it!
Donate
Don’t forget to follow our efforts on social media!