Companion Animal Protection Society

How CAPS Began
In 1989, when Deborah Howard, president of the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) noticed the cramped, unsanitary conditions at a Docktor Pet Center, she became enraged. The company had more than 300 franchises at that time. Ms. Howard joined forces with Robert Baker, the foremost puppy mill investigator in the country. They generated two "20/20" exposes and articles in People and Life. These exposes took on the pet shop industry - "20/20" and People named Docktor directly - and showed the horrors of puppy mills. As a result of their efforts, Docktor Pet Centers, who refused to do business without the sale of puppies, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in February 1993. Ms. Howard started CAPS in 1992. Mr. Baker is CAPS' vice-president.

As the only national nonprofit dedicated exclusively to protecting companion animals, CAPS' foremost concern in the abuse and suffering of pet shop and puppy mill dogs. Founded in 1992, CAPS actively addresses this issue through investigations, education, media relations, legislative involvement, puppy mill dog rescues, consumer assistance and pet industry employee relations.

CAPS defines a puppy mill as a "commercial breeding facility that mass-produces puppies for resale through pet shops or individuals."

Research and Investigations
USDA Licensed Dog Breeding and Brokering Facilities

As the only national nonprofit dedicated exclusively to protecting companion animals, CAPS' foremost concern is the abuse and suffering of pet shop and puppy mill dogs. CAPS investigators are an integral part of the organization. They investigate federally licensed commercial dog breeders and brokers to determine: (1) compliance with local, state and federal (the Animal Welfare Act) laws; (2) humane treatment of animals. CAPS works with state humane investigators and submits documentary evidence to local prosecutors.

Since 1995, CAPS' focus has been on the USDA's failure to enforce the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) as it pertains to commercial dog breeders and brokers. In order to document AWA violations, CAPS investigates federally licensed facilities in the Midwest (more than 100 since 1997). Based on their investigations, CAPS is of the opinion that although the AWA gives the USDA the power to license, inspect and regulate breeders and brokers who deal in dogs for commercial purposes, the USDA's implementation of the AWA has been grievously insufficient - fulfilling neither the letter nor the intent of the AWA.

CAPS is requesting oversight hearings on the USDA's failure to enforce the AWA, advocating changes to the AWA and recommending new policies regarding the actions of USDA inspectors. CAPS visits Washington, DC several times a year and continues to present documentary evidence to top USDA officials and members of Congress.

Pet Shops

CAPS works with members, local animal welfare groups and the public to monitor pet shop conditions and to ascertain the names of breeders and brokers. They investigate some of these breeders and brokers.

Public Outreach and Education
Media Relations

CAPS has a targeted media relations program that exposes companion animal abuse, particularly the plight of pet shop and puppy mill dogs. They provide information and documentation on pet shops and puppy mills to print media and television news programs (national and local).

Consumer Assistance

CAPS encourages consumers who purchased sick or dying puppies to contact CAPS for assistance. There are pet shop complaint forms on the organization's website. CAPS attempts to inform consumers of their options, including the right to recover veterinary expenses under state lemon laws. CAPS relies on consumer information to document illnesses, veterinary expenses and names of breeders and brokers.

Rescue and Rehabilitation
During investigations of USDA licensed facilities, CAPS rescues puppy mill dogs, especially unwanted breeding stock who are about to be destroyed - humanely or inhumanely. Puppy mill breeders often want to get rid of dogs that cannot get pregnant, have difficult pregnancies or deliveries, or who don't produce large enough litters. CAPS often rescue sick or "defective" puppies, including those that have been returned to breeders and brokers by pet shops.

CAPS works with shelters, rescue organizations and individuals to provide foster care and permanent homes for rescued dogs. CAPS also covers veternary costs, including spaying and neutering, and makes contact with the families who adopted the rescued puppy mill dogs.

Abbreviation
The Companion Animal Protection Society is also known as CAPS.