National Puppy Mill Awareness Day is observed worldwide every third Saturday of September. This day aims to highlight the poor conditions in puppy mills, which are commercial dog breeding facilities that prioritize profit over the welfare of animals. Puppy mills emerged after World War II due to increased demand for pets and economic shifts that led farmers to breed dogs for income. An estimated 10,000 puppy mills operate in the U.S., selling over 2 million puppies annually, many of which are unregulated. Unlike responsible breeders, puppy mills often keep dogs in unsanitary, cramped conditions, leading to health and behavioral issues. The initiative was launched by the National Puppy Mill Project, a nonprofit coalition dedicated to ending commercial puppy breeding. People can participate by spreading the word on social media using the hashtag #PuppyMillAwarenessDay, donating to relevant nonprofits, or supporting local animal shelters.