Find downloadable tools, handy checklists, and key links all designed to empower you.
Federal Resources
USDA Minimum Standards of Care
Learn how puppies & mothers are treated in commercial kennels.
USDA Legal Actions
Names of Individuals with Warnings and Legal Actions
File a USDA Complaint
To report a concern about an animal covered under the Animal Welfare Act.
Search for Licensed USDA Breeders/Brokers
List of licensed and registered USDA breeders and brokers
Search for Breeders/Brokers Inspection Reports
Find inspection reports for any USDA licensed breeder, broker and transporter.
Tax Exempt Organization Search
This page lets users search and verify nonprofit organizations’ tax-exempt status, IRS filings, and eligibility to receive tax-deductible donations.
Fetch the Facts Federal Oversight Information
Everything you need to know regarding federal oversight of the puppy industry
State Resources
State Laws
Humane World for Animals breaks down laws surrounding puppy mills in all states.
State Cruelty Statutes
Easy access to each state’s animal cruelty statutes to help people research and understand current animal welfare laws.
Dog Breeding Laws by States
Search your state to see if they have their own laws in addition to the AWA.
Puppy Lemon Law
Twenty-two states with pet purchaser protection acts.
PA Breeder/Broker Kennel Inspection Search Tool
Search breeder, broker and pet store inspection reports for violations. You can also search for some shelters and rescues.
Fetch the Facts: Pennsylvania Dog Law Explained
Everything you need to know about Pennsylvania’s Dog Law explained simply.
Other Resources
Pawthenticity
Instant access to inspection records for USDA licensed breeders — in one searchable database.
Bailing Out Benji Licensed Breeder Search Engine
A nationwide resource helping consumers make informed, ethical dog sourcing decisions.
Humane Action Pennsylvania
Learn more about animal welfare laws, policies and community actions effecting animals.
PA Voters for Animals
Learn about enacting stronger laws for animals across PA.
CAPS Breeder Investigations and Reports
CAPS’ Mission: Address animal suffering through investigations, outreach, legislation, legal advocacy, consumer assistance, rescue, and shelter reform.
Fetch the Facts: Predatory Financing
Everything you need to know about predatory financing when purchasing a puppy
Never Finance a Pet
Puppy Financing questions to consider before signing the paperwork.
Fetch the Facts: Rescues & Shelters
Everything you need to know about rescues and shelters.
Books
Recommended reading to learn more about the puppy industry.
“Doggie In The Window” by Rory Kress
Substack
Follow along for all things Fetch the Facts.
Fetch the Facts
Need help researching?
The goal of this site is to put all of the information in one place and make it free to the public but we know researching a puppy seller, breeder, rescue, or shelter takes time and sorting through public records, inspection reports, and licensing information can be overwhelming. Fetch the Facts offers consumer research services to help make the process easier. Whether you’re looking to support a responsible breeder or want to learn more about a rescue or shelter before adopting, we’re here to help.
Fetch the Facts does not promote or discourage a consumer’s choice to select a specific dog breed, but encourages informed and responsible decisions regardless of where a dog comes from. We believe that supporting responsible breeding practices, ethical rescues, and informed pet ownership can help improve animal welfare and reduce the number of dogs entering shelters over time.
If you are interested in this service please choose from one of the options below:
Puppy Trace Report
This report traces the puppy’s path from its current seller back to the breeder using publicly available records available under federal and applicable state laws. Depending on what information is publicly available, the report may include:
- The seller’s license number
- Seller inspection reports
- The breeder’s and/or broker’s license number
- Breeder and/or broker inspection reports
- Previous business names or aliases associated with the breeder, broker, or seller
- Copies of inspections or enforcement reports
- The transporter’s USDA registration number and any publicly available transporter violations or enforcement records.
This report is based solely on publicly available information and record availability may vary by state, agency and seller.
Not sure how many reports you need?
Review the examples below before submitting your request. Puppies from the same litter and seller can often be researched together, while puppies from different litters or sellers require separate research reports.
Shelter/Rescue Transparency Report
This report reviews a rescue or shelter using publicly available records and information available under federal, state, and local laws (when applicable). Depending on what information is publicly available, the report may include:
- The organization’s registered business or nonprofit name
- State charity or nonprofit registration information
- USDA and/or state license information (if applicable)
- Inspection reports and publicly available violations
- Previous business names, aliases, or affiliated organizations
- Consumer complaints
- Enforcement actions, or legal cases that are publicly documented
This report is based solely on publicly available information and record availability may vary by state, agency, and organization type.