This is grassroots. Your help is needed. It requires deliberate action to change how people think about and treat animals. Minnesotans have the opportunity to set an example.

What you can do

1. Learn more.

Explore this website. View the videos. Know the issue and understand why change is needed in regards to the breeding, buying and selling of dogs and cats. Forward this website to others.

2. Distribute information.

Go to Downloads and download, print and distribute materials in your community about inhumane dog and cat breeding and what people can do. Inform others about this issue. Attend town meetings, county events, and city events and educate others.

3. Take a stand.

Sign the online petition (supporting legislation to regulate dog and cat breeders) and join "include me." Get at least 10 friends, work colleagues or family members to sign the petition. Our strength is in numbers.

4. Build relationships.

Call or email your State legislators and educate them about inhumane dog and cat breeding and S.F. 462/H.F. 702 (Dog and Cat Breeder Regulation Bill). Speak with and get to know other authorities and organizations in your community.

5. Tell your story.

If you have purchased or rescued a dog or cat from a pet store, website or directly from a Minnesota breeder and this animal was unhealthy (physically or psychologically), please send us your story. We need your voice. These stories give proof that inhumane breeding is a problem that impacts animals and consumers.

Want to do even more?

6. DONATE.

Please help support our efforts. If you can, please donate money to Animal Folks MN to help us to continue to conduct research about the dog/cat breeding industry, raise awareness (with website, emails, posters, events, presentations) about inhumane breeding, and work with legislators and authorities to create institutional change. 

7. Adopt, don't shop.

Teach people why it's best to adopt from their local shelter or rescue group (reduces euthanasia). Educate others to: 1) Never buy a puppy or kitten from a pet store — unless it’s ‘adoption days’ through a humane society or rescue group. 2) Never buy a puppy or kitten directly from a website, through a classified ad or at a parking lot — insist on seeing the animal’s parents and living conditions first. Attend pet store protests.

8. File a complaint.

If you see animal neglect or abuse, report it immediately. If you have bought a sick dog or cat or have been misled by false advertising, file a complaint. For details, go to Report it. No investigation or action can be conducted without a formal complaint filed.

9. Communicate through local newspapers.

• Write a letter to the editor in your local newspaper about puppy mills and the need for regulation of the dog and cat breeding industry.
• Run a classified ad in your local newspaper in the “pet” section warning people not to buy unless they first meet the breeder and see the mother and breeding conditions. Many inhumane dog and cat breeders sell through newspapers.

10. Volunteer.

Your local humane society or rescue group needs help. Volunteer to foster a dog or cat, help at fund-raising events or care for animals within a shelter.

11. Get involved with your local government.

Pay close attention to what’s happening within your city and county governments. Many commercial (large) breeders are required to apply for and adhere to Conditional Use Permits through the county. Attend hearings and voice your opinion.

12. Get involved at the federal level.

Contact your federal legislators and ask what they will do to improve the Animal Welfare Act in regards to commercial breeding facilities and to encourage the USDA-APHIS to provide stronger enforcement of USDA standards. To contact your Congressman or Congresswoman, call 1-202-224-3121. This is the Congressional switchboard in Washington D.C.; they will connect you with your U.S. Respresentative or U.S. Senator. (This is federal, not state.)