Puppy farms are unregistered breeders who breed puppies (and other companion animals) for profit. It is not illegal to breed companion animals for profit, however, because the practice is unregulated, many animals are held in very poor conditions, are maltreated and undernourished. Animal welfare agents can only intervene where the level animal cruelty is severe.

All pet shops and other sellers of companion animals must keep records identifying all animals held and sold, and the breeder from which the animals were sourced.

Puppy farmed animals are usually sold on to pet shops or directly to the public via online ads.

The practice of puppy farming can be eliminated through the legislated regulation of companion animal breeding and sale.