When a puppy is posted for adoption - how can you tell it's not posted by a puppy mill?

This is a very good question!

I would suggest buying a puppy locally, within driving distance, rather than site unseen over the internet for many reasons – avoiding puppy mills, meeting the pup’s parents, examining the living conditions of the pups, the ability to select from the litter personally to assure you get the right personality for you, the list goes on.

It is true that many breeders that sell over the internet and ship pups without thoroughly interviewing you, the new owner, are puppy mills.

Now, that is not to say that all breeders with websites are mills, not at all. Reputable breeders do use the internet to inform potential owners of their breeding programs and philosophy.

The best way to tell the difference is to, engage in a relationship with the breeder, ask many questions and for regular updates about the puppies’ development, get at least 3 references, and only choose a breeder that equally gives you the third degree. A responsible breeder is extremely selective when choosing the right home for his or her pups.

Dr. Ian Dunbar’s book BEFORE You Get Your Puppy has a large section on puppy/breeder selection and a long list of things to consider when choosing a breeder.

If you want to get a puppy you should go on the ASPCA website.