Did You Know?
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There are currently no breeding guidelines out there for breeders who have 4 or less breeding females (which can have up to 8 litters per year).* They’re considered “hobby breeders.” Most breeders fall into this category and they bring thousands and thousands of dogs into the world every year.
Those that have 5 or more breeding females ( which can have 10 or more litters per year) AND sell puppies sight unseen are subject to USDA regulations that are so poor that most puppy mills are actually USDA regulated and able to continue operating legally.
*Refers to federal regulations. Number of females varies from state to state.
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USDA guidelines are vague, left up for loose interpretation and often go unenforced altogether.
This allows puppy mills to continue horrific practices leaving dogs to suffer and die.
There are only about 100 USDA enforcement agents in the United States and they have approximately 15,000 wellness checks to do on commercial breeders.
Breeders are given violations for unsanitary conditions, sick or injured dogs, and dogs with major infestations. The breeder is then given a timeframe to correct the issue - sometimes up to 1 year. By then, many of the dogs in that breeder’s care have already died.
Enforcement agents give minimal fines for violations and usually do not confiscate animals or close down poorly run facilities.
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Our organization plays a crucial role in preventing dogs from entering shelters by fostering responsible breeding practices and empowering both breeders and new dog owners with the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure a lifelong, loving home for their pets.
By helping breeders raise their programs to conscientious levels, their puppies are less likely to face health or temperament issues that might lead to relinquishment.
By discouraging unintentional litters and educating new owners on responsible dog care, we can reduce the number of dogs in need of shelter placement.
Additionally, our commitment to advocating for and enforcing state and federal regulations further contributes to the welfare of dogs, ensuring that breeders meet the highest standards of care.
Ultimately, our organization's mission is to create a world where fewer dogs end up in shelters, and more dogs find their forever homes in responsible, loving households.
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Imagine a world where every dog lives a healthy, happy life with a loving family. Herzog's Heroes, a nonprofit organization committed to transforming the lives of our four-legged friends, is working tirelessly to turn this vision into reality. With a goal of raising the breeding standard and recognizing conscientious breeders, Herzog's Heroes is a force for positive change in the canine community. But we can't do it alone – we need your support to make a lasting impact.
Our HCBA (Herzog’s Conscientious Breeder’s Alliance) program plays a pivotal role in recognizing and encouraging conscientious breeders. We provide breeders with the tools and knowledge they need to elevate their practices, setting a higher standard for the industry as a whole. By supporting Herzog's Heroes, you're enabling us to educate breeders on responsible breeding, resulting in generations of healthier, happier dogs that bring joy to countless households.
Our impact doesn't stop with breeders. We're dedicated to empowering puppy buyers with the information they need to make informed decisions. Through education, we guide potential dog owners in selecting the right breed for their lifestyle and preparing for the responsibilities of pet ownership. By promoting the importance of choosing HCBA breeders, we're fostering a culture of responsible ownership, leading to stronger, lasting human-canine relationships.
By contributing to Herzog's Heroes, you're becoming an essential part of this transformative journey. Your donation not only directly impacts the lives of dogs, it also resonates across communities, leading to a decrease in shelter populations and an increase in the overall welfare of our beloved canine companions. Join us in creating a world where every dog is a cherished member of a loving family – donate to Herzog's Heroes and be a hero for dogs in need.
Why Give to Herzog's Heroes?
Because dogs deserve better—and you can help make it happen.
Every day, thousands of dogs are born into environments that fail them. Some are bred without planning or purpose. Some are sold to unprepared owners. Others are surrendered when their health or behavior becomes too much to manage. And too many end up in shelters—or worse.
At Herzog’s Heroes, we believe this cycle can be stopped. But we can’t do it alone.
Every donation we receive is a vote of agreement, a statement that you believe in our cause, and a commitment to being a part of the movement that will prevent thousands of dogs from entering shelters.
What Your Donation Supports:
Creating Change Through Education
Your support helps us educate breeders and puppy owners alike—offering tools, training, and guidance that lead to better breeding practices, healthier dogs, and fewer dogs in shelters.
Building the HCBA Certification Program
We’re developing the HCBA Certification Program, a voluntary and educational system that helps breeders demonstrate accountability, transparency, and lifelong responsibility for the dogs they bring into the world. It’s about raising the standard from within—not enforcing it from the outside.
Innovating with the BreedScore App
Your gift also supports the launch of the BreedScore App, an innovative tool designed to help breeders assess and strengthen their programs and rebuild trust in the breeding community.
BreedScore empowers breeders to showcase their dedication to quality and care while helping the public make informed, confident decisions when choosing where to get a puppy.
Advocating for a Better Future
We’re bringing together breeders, rescues, shelters, and communities to encourage positive change in the breeding world—through education, collaboration, and advocacy that always puts dogs’ welfare first.
Real Change, Powered by You
This isn’t just about breeding or rescuing. It’s about prevention.
It's about building a system where dogs are bred with care, placed with intention, and supported for life.
It’s about making sure the people who want to do better—breeders, buyers, rescues—have the tools they need to succeed.
And that only happens because of donors like you.
A Personal Message from Our Founder
"I didn’t start out as a conscientious breeder. I made mistakes, but I learned. I saw the harm that even well-intentioned breeding can cause when education and accountability are missing. Herzog’s Heroes was born out of that journey. Today, we stand for a future where every dog gets the life they deserve."
— Kate Dalman, Founder
Be Part of the Solution
If you’ve ever wished things were different for dogs in shelters... If you’ve ever wanted to see breeders held to a higher standard... If you believe dogs deserve more than just good intentions...
Then you believe in what we do.
Let’s fix the problem at its source. Let’s do it together.