Iowa Pet Alliance Foundation

As a volunteer and current board member, I have seen how hard this organization works to educate voters on Iowa's animal protection laws and keep fighting to improve those laws.

Iowa Pet Alliance Foundation does a tremendous job of advocating for better animal welfare - especially on behalf of dogs and puppies in Iowa's commercial breeding facilities - and educating the public. Their work has made positive, meaningful changes few could have anticipated only a few years ago.

I'm a busy person as most of us are, so think very carefully about where I choose to spend my time - and I've chosen to spend time a a board member of Iowa Pet Alliance. This organization strives to educate Iowa citizens and importantly, our legislators, on the issues surrounding puppy mills and other for-profit breeders that treat companion animals as just another commodity. The organization works diligently for legislation that protects the humane treatment of companion animals and enforcement and accountability for offenders. I am whole-heartedly in support of this organization and its mission

I know this is organization works hard for the voiceless pups out there. Thank you!

A round of applause to an amazing nonprofit organization, Iowa Pet Alliance Foundation, for their tireless efforts over the years in educating the general public about the dreadful blight of Iowa’s puppy mills, along with facilitating legislation to improve Iowa’s animal welfare laws. While some of Iowa’s worst dog breeders have been shut down thanks to Iowa Pet Alliance, their ongoing mission must continue to help save abuse dogs. I am so grateful for and urge all to support Iowa Pet Alliance Foundation in their quest to eradicate Iowa puppy mills.

Iowa Pet Alliance is doing it's job, I know of several supporters that are all over the state!

The organization is doing great work to spread awareness about the huge problem of puppy mills and the impact of irresponsible breeding on the health and welfare of pets, families, the community, and pet owners Nationwide. In addition to Awareness they are helping to advocate for the enforcement of standards that have been established but often times not followed. This organization is extremely well run by passionate, professional collaborators working together within communities across the state to impact change.

Iowa Friends of Companion Animals plays a critical role in raising awareness and exposing the cruel puppy mill industry in Iowa. They've made great strides and continue to fight to rid Iowa of cruelty.

Who knew Iowa had such an awful puppy mill problem?! Iowans know now, because of Iowa Friends of Companion Animals. They shine a light on cruelty, share all their knowledge and data with the public, and work to make the changes that will put puppy mills out of business.

IFCA is the leader in educating public and holding puppy mill operators accountable. Iowa has seen a significant decrease in number of puppy mills since their founding. Kind, dedicated individuals make up an Incredible team with rockstar leadership!

Iowa Friends of Companion Animals is an outstanding organization that has significantly raised awareness of Iowa's disastrous puppy mill industry. They are a wealth of knowledge. A wonderful organization led by dedicated people who I am proud to support financially and otherwise.

I am a charter member of the IFCA board of directors. I was on the front line with Mary LaHay when she dug in her heels and said"enough is enough, this puppy mill travisty in Iowa is not going to continue on my watch". I am proud of the impact we have had on the industry. Puppy mills have been reduced my close to 50 %. That is a huge accomplishment. None of this would have been possible without the shoes on the ground and financial support from all our members across Iowa... with Mary LaHay leading the parade. THANK YOU
Paul Koeniguer

Iowa Friends for Companion Animals is a nonprofit that is working to end the suffering of the dogs being kept in puppy mills in our state. The founder, Mary LaHay, started out as just one concerned citizen who shockingly found out about the puppy mill situation in Iowa. She has grown the organization to regional advocacy groups that focus on contacting their state representatives and on educating the public as to the need for change in the way the dogs in commercial dog breeding businesses in Iowa are treated. In February we all gather at the capitol to talk to our congressmen/women. Wearing our gold shirts lets all those who work for us know that we are serious about our desire for the betterment of the treatment of the dogs who are caged for breeding purposes. Mary has created a powerful advocacy group for the puppy mill dogs in Iowa!

Iowa Friends of Companion Animals is an exceptional animal welfare organization working in Iowa, an exceptionally challenging state for such work. The organization's data-driven and strategic approach has not only raised public awareness, but has put animal welfare firmly on the legislative agenda. Comprised of compassionate, intelligent, and dedicated individuals, they are raising the bar for the benefit of animals and people alike.

Very well run and organized - for a very good cause.

Improving animal welfare is a complex issue in a state like Iowa. Iowa Friends of Companion Animals' tireless efforts to educate and inform the public and our elected officials through hard facts are changing the discussion in both rural and urban corners of our state. Finding common ground and common language we all share is the surest way to make a future for Iowans and our animals free from unnecessary cruelty.

Iowa Friends of Companion Animals works tirelessly toward its mission of humane treatment for dogs in Iowa's commercial dog breeding facilities. The team is always looking to improve – evaluating tactics, finding new ways to support volunteers, and above all else, seeking ways to reach a larger audience with their important message.

Iowa Friends of Companion Animals is one of the most passionate, committed and fiscally responsible non-profits I have ever encountered. In the four years I have been involved with the organization, they have made tremendous strides toward raising awareness of the puppy mill problem in Iowa. Through their work, they have shined a light on the worst dog breeders in the state, and in turn saved countless dogs from a life of torture.

This is an amazing organization! Working relentlessly for the dogs and puppies being held captive and tortured in prisons known as puppy mills! We will not back down until our legislators listen and do the right thing buy these dogs!!!

Passionate, informed, diligent and invested - working along side these people helps me believe my time and resources are invested with integrity.

This group is and has been working hard, in an anything but friendly political atmosphere, to raise awareness, educate and try to toughen the lax laws regarding inhumane and callous dog breeders - puppy mills - in Iowa

Mary Lahay has organized and inspired an amazing network of dedicated volunteers to inform citizens and legislators in Iowa of the outrageous mistreatment of dogs held in puppy mills. She and volunteers have gone through FDA records to identify the worst offenders and have gotten many mills shut down. They have organized lobby days and they are changing laws governing mills. In an agricultural state like Iowa, where dogs in mills are treated as livestock, this is no small task. There is still much to do. Mary and the many volunteers for Iowa Friends of Companion Animals have worked tirelessly to help these abused dogs.

I have donated a few times and have seen first-hand my money put into action to further their mission to improve both the current enforcement of federal and state laws regarding large-scale commercial pet breeding operations and the laws themselves. They are excellent in tracking inspection and enforcement actions then following up with government agencies when breeders do not take remedial action. They are also consistent and assertive with their public relations campaigns.

The people involved in this nonprofit are doing a great job trying to bring awareness to the public about the plight of the thousands of breeding dogs being kept in deplorable conditions in Iowa's puppy mills. This is a national problem as puppies from these mills are sold throughout the United States, many with genetic defects or who are sick. IFCA is working hard to get the laws in Iowa changed to help protect these dogs, but in an agricultural State, such as Iowa, this is a challenge, one they appear to be up for.

Iowa Friends is working hard to be the voice of the voiceless dogs!

This is an incredibly passionate group who spends endless hours helping to educate residents of the State of Iowa about puppy mills; lobbying to change our current laws to make life better for companion animals and the list goes on and on............all of this is done in the most efficient and diplomatic means. We are blessed to have this organization in Iowa!

Iowa Friends is a wonderful non profit, dedicated to getting more humane laws, in place, in Iowa. Many volunteers work tirelessly lobbying, walking in parades, writing to lawmakers, appealing to lawmakers, setting up booths and learning centers at events, fundraising, ect. All to help those poor dogs that are languishing in Iowa's horrid puppy mills. I have helped them, in the past, and will continue to do so, in the future. Sincerely, Adrienne Smith Jefferson

The president of the organization does not take a salary all the money that donated goes toward working for legislation to help the puppy mill male dogs . We are number two in the country which is shameful this organization is trying to I'm not wise to help with their suffering . They're involved in a lot of activities such as the puppy mill walk which just happened. They are going to be at the pet expo to provide information to people that don't realize what's going on. There's also a lobby day in February were members of the group go down showing their support and talking with her legislatures is an ongoing process they have groups of over the state trying to educate people about what's going on .

I have been involved in animal rescue and transport for several years. Not long ago, I attended an informational meeting held by Iowa Friends. It was following that meeting that I decided my rescue work was important, but still there needed to be greater change. IFCA is dedicated to changing legislation to provide enforced protections for our voiceless and beloved companions. To me, Iowa Friends is like the "little engine that could" - this organization is not giving up. Through optimism and hardwork they continue the march for humane and responsible treatment of companion animals.

Helping to bring awareness to the huge problem of puppy mills.

IA friends is a great organization that does wonderful advocacy work for companion animals in Iowa!

Iowa Friends of Companion Animals works to educate the public about puppy mills and other animal welfare issues. They work with those in position to make and enforce laws governing animal welfare to promote health and humane treatment for Iowa's companion animals. This is a positive, grassroots organization!

IFCA is 100% volunteer-ran and instrumental in making laws better for the 15,000+ dogs living in Iowa's puppy mills. If you want to help us make better laws for those with paws look our way!

I was one of the many people who was unaware of the existence of puppy mills until I started to see information posted on Facebook by the Iowa Friends of Companion Animals. My heart hurts for the dogs and puppies in these horrible places, and I support the work done by this amazing group to bring their plight to people's attention. "Man's Best Friend" needs our help, and I feel that the best hope of changing the laws in favor of the dogs is by supporting Iowa Friends of Companion Animals.

Many people don't even know that puppy mills even exist (and the torture that the dogs in them endure) and Iowa Friends of Companion Animals is working hard to change that. Bringing this to the attention of our legislators and fellow Iowans is so important. Working to get the laws changed is crucial. The work that Iowa Friends of Companion Animals is so important!

I had my first contact with Iowa Friends of Companion Animals about four years ago. I loved how this dear lady, saw a need and instead of just thinking it was a sad situation, she actually started a movement to help animals-primarily dogs!!! A lot of people see a problem, but few are willing to put the time and effort into fixing it like Iowa Friends has. I enjoy helping with their work to spread word that there are dogs in need and there are positive ways in which to help them. The organization provides a lot of valuable information that is beneficial when talking to others who are interested in joining. They are willing to answer questions. They have cool merchandise to purchase. Their events are fun!! I love working with Iowa Friends of Companion Animals!!

Caring, committed and compassionate! Mary LaHay and all volunteers with Iowa Friends of Companion Animals are so amazing and NEEDED! There is such a need to educate Iowans on the issues with puppy mills and how one does their homework to ensure you are working with a responsible breeder. One of the many things I appreciate about this group is it is fact based. Data is so important and this group does it's homework. The numbers tell the story and why change is needed. This can be such an emotional area, and I hope we never lose that piece of it, but in the data is critical to show the need for change.

I wish these people lobby for regulations and humane treatment for the poor dogs that are trucked in and out of the state.
Or better yet use the money the raise to actually help the shelters, instead of "lobbying" for a change in laws rather than lobbying for the enforcement of the laws in place already.

Love this organization and all they stand for - what is right and humane for our furry friends! I'm on your side & look fwd to the day legislation will STOP inhumane treatment of all animals!

I have just joined this organization, but I have been impressed with their dedication and energy. I have also been impressed with their political savvy and ability to contact and work in a positive way with legislators and community leaders.

An amazing organization that works tirelessly on behalf of Iowa's 15,000 commercial breeding dogs that languish inside Iowa's 200 USDA-licensed puppy mills. Iowa Friends is their voice, 24-7...these dogs are lucky to have IaFriends advocating for them and for "Better Laws For Those With Paws."

This group was how I learned of the puppy mills and why I try to impress on people to adopt NOT shop! Mary LaHay has and continues to fight for legislation to clean up Iowa puppy mills. Iowa Friends of Companion Animals encourages 1. To adopt but also asks you to ask yourself some tough questions as to puppy ownership, 2. To educate the public on how bad the puppy mill problem is in our state and 3. To report issues you may witness to law enforcement.

This is an awesome organization working to change laws to better care for animals. I am a supporter of this group, as their outreach and educational efforts are how I first learned about puppy mills!

Perfect cause for to help the greater good. I fully support companion dogs for the depressed

This is a phenomenal organization. They are working non-stop for the benefit of animals. The are well organize and well informed and do a great job educating the public. They provide excellent guidance about how to contact representatives and the language to use to be taken seriously. They provided a fantastic speaker for Lobby Day 2015, who spoke about puppy mills and the effects on adult dogs and puppies. This group certainly advocates for the right changes for companion animals.

Iowa Friends of Companion Animals is an amazing organization who are working so hard to educate and bring awareness to a subject that has been ignored for way too long. There efforts are so very much appreciated and I know they won't quit until the changes that need to happen take place. I am the Volunteer Board President for PAWS & More Animal Shelter in Washington, IA. On behalf of the entire board and staff of our shelter, WE THANK YOU!

This is a top notch organization dedicated to educating the public about puppy mill operations and the lack of oversight by the USDA and in Iowa any state oversight either. They are working tirelessly to pass legislation in the state of Iowa to begin to provide some amount of humane treatment for these companion animals. This is a professional, very well run organization. The president and board of directors are very conscientious of their purpose and stay focused on their overall mission. I am thrilled we have this organization helping to lead the fight in this battle!

I have seen puppy mill dogs come into the Arl it hurts to see it. This site helps educate people not to shop but adopt and educate the people that dogs are family and so much more

An organization tirelessly dedicated to improving conditions for dogs in the 200+ large scale breeding operations in Iowa. Educating the public and legislators about this issue.

A wonderful group working on meaningful legislation in Iowa to better control puppy mills.

Top notch organization! Donations are spent wisely and they are true to their mission. I am grateful to IVCA's work in my state.

I am the proud owner of a former puppy mill pug. He actually came from the hell known as Pratt puppy mill. He has overcome many obstacles but has many hurdles left. He may never shed the fear of men, overhead objects , hats, boots rain, and hunger. He may never be completely house trained. He may never do a lot of things a normal, healthy, well adjusted dog will but he will always be loved. It is sad and sickening to see what the human race will do for money. I thank God that there is an organization such as Iowa Friends of Companion Animals to fight for, protest for, lobby for, and educate about these voiceless precious creatures. Thank you Mary

Kudos to Mary who got the ball rolling and has never given up even when it seems that she is banging her head against a brick wall. It will happen, then thousands of mistreated companion animals will know how it feels to be loved, cared for and finally free to walk on grass and cuddle in a warm bed. Go IFCA, you rock.

Finally an organization helping thousands to stand up for Companion animals. They take the headache out of trying to stay on top of things! So proud to be a grassroots member!

This is Iowa's flagship organization for reducing, maybe even eliminating, Iowa's large, well financed and absolutely inhumane puppy mill business. Puppy mills, small and large, are making money off of squalor and cruelty. Breeding dogs deserve better. Iowa Friends of Companion Animals is on their side.

I foster for the ARL and I picked this wonderful organization because of how each animals needs are addressed.
As a foster I have worked with puppies, dogs, cats. Cindy Gerke you are an exceptional foster coordinator. The team at the ARL gives so much to make this rescue stand out and shine.

This is a great organization.They work so hard to help educate people about puppy mills & for better laws to protect dogs. (Which we greatly need) I have learned so much from them.

An educated, organized and passionate organization! Their online presence is very impressive. A great deal of thought and effort has gone into their web site. Always positive and practical in their efforts to help dogs who are suffering.

It's all about raising awareness of puppy mills! Working with government to being about bills to change this horrendous behavior.

Mary, who founded this organization and has worked tirelessly for the dogs for over five years, has taken on the issue of puppy mills in Iowa with a determination I've never seen before in a non-profit leader. She created Iowa Friends after discovering on her own what damage irresponsible breeders can do to the dogs in their "care." Mary did her research, and when she first went to the state legislature, she wowed them with the facts. Since that first successful couple of years, the pushback from the Iowa Breeders Assn., Farm Bureau (yep!) and Big Ag has increased enormously. Fortunately, the numbers of animal/dog lovers who have discovered Iowa Friends has increased exponentially. It's hard to change laws. It's hard for a relatively small, unfunded organization to fight huge lobbying interests. It's disappointing that our legislators are more afraid of losing donations from Big Ag and farmers than they are in helping the poor dogs languishing in cages across Iowa. Oh, and the lies those breeders tell the legislators! We have a state full of Pinocchios! To Mary and all of the volunteers and board members of Iowa Friends of Companion Animals: Keep up the GREAT WORK! The dogs are counting on you all!

This is a great organization that works to make life better by changing laws for dogs living a life of horror in puppy mills.

Pet Mills All Stink! They are Pure Evil and as un-caring as can-be.

I joined the board of this organization because of its precise goal of improving the welfare of dogs held in commercial breeding facilities. More humane laws, better oversight and stiffer penalties for animal welfare violations are much needed and long overdue. No one would condone as "humane" the well-documented conditions under which many of these dogs spend their entire lives, existing solely to turn a profit for their owners. Now is the time for change. We are their voice.

This is a wonderful Organization for the State of Iowa. Iowa has a lot of Puppy Mills so there is always a need to try to change laws. Mary LaHay and Iowa Friends of Companion Animals work tirelessly for all of us. I have worked with rescues for years and adopted many of the dogs that have been saved from Puppy Mills. God Bless them for working so hard and never giving up.

Iowa Friends of Companion Animals does a great job in educating the public about how truly awful puppy mills are and what it means to purchase a puppy mill dog. Their newsletters, Facebook updates, action alerts, and organized events to end inhumane treatment and breeding of dogs reach so many people. Puppy mills are so prevalent in Iowa; however, it seems that, slowly but surely, the tide is turning against them. Yeah Iowa Friends of Companion Animals!

I have great respect and appreciation for the tireless work that Iowa Friends of Companion Animals and Mary LaHay are doing to educate us about the dirty business of puppy mills in Iowa and for bringing to light the deplorable conditions that these dogs have to exist in. May we all join in to help right this wrong and help to end the suffering of these animals.

I stumbled upon this page and am so happy I did. I had no idea Iowa is second worse in the nation for puppy mills. This non-profit fights for the dogs and puppies who are stuck in these tiny cages with no voice. Mary is a passionate person who constantly is using her time to educate Iowans and to raise awareness on the puppy mill issue. She is even taking the next step to get legislation passed that will help protect Iowa's dogs and hopefully one day will get rid of these mills.

Without this Puppymills would be not as understood as they are. Dont get me wrong there is still A LOT to do. But they have started and that to me is something iowa needs. Information and honesty is 2 things they are kniwn for. Please help get the word out it takes a village to an end such suffering.

Far above any others I've worked with professionally, this nonprofit organization adheres to their mission and provides factual data to inform the public and our legislators. I'm proud to have them in the corner of animal advocacy.

This group has worked tirelessly to help solve the puppy mill crisis in Iowa. Mary LaHay's passion to alleviate the suffering of up to 15,000 dogs in our state is evident! She refuses to give up until there are no more puppy mills!

We have visited out there a couple of times and the staff out there seem to genuinely enjoy taking care of the animals and you can see the love that goes into caring for all of them.

When we are ready again we wont hesitate to visit out there. They go out of their way to make the visit an enjoyable one.

I am proud to be an Iowan and just as proud of the work Iowa Friends of Companion Animals is doing to help fight the fight for those who have no voice. We need more people to do work like this for our companion animals, for all animals right really. Together, we will all put an end to puppy mills!

I don't know about how anyone else feels, but I firmly believe Mary LaHay is an angel from heaven sent down to lead us in the fight against puppy mills. I really do!

This organization helps put an end to the suffering of poor animals in puppy mills.It is so wrong, and many would prefer to look the other way, but this organization steps up.

Great work this organization does!! They are the voice of the animals in Iowa, and do a great job of educating the public to the horrors these animals are living in.

Helping to educate the Iowa public about the terrible conditions in the state's puppy mills is such an important task and IFCA does it well! I have educated a large number of people by sharing knowledge gained from them.

Thank you for all you do!

This group serves the state of Iowa by providing education regarding the horrors of puppy mills and advocacy for the dogs trapped in this travesty. Mary has to see things that most of us only read about. She is tireless in her work and has worked to change legislation to better protect puppy mills in the second largest puppy mill state.

Amazing Organization! Mary's ongoing dediciation is inspiring. Her concern and caring for the animals trapped within the confines of Iowa Puppy Mills has given me hope. With her leadership and strength, I envision much needed changes to be made to better the lives for many many humans and animals.

After coming being referred to this page by another group, I was excited to meet people that were as passionate as I am about animal welfare. However, after watching their posts closely, I realized that this group isn't truthful. They posted a photo of two very sick looking dogs that were trapped in a puppy mill and they asked all of us to donate and help these dogs. Upon being pressed about the dogs, the organization had to admit that these dogs had been euthanized years before. Lying for donations is just as bad as those that breed for profit. Then, as some sort of community outreach, the organization invited all of their fans out to a restaurant and offered free beer and appetizers. When I asked who was funding the free stuff, my comment was immediately deleted. I don't agree with allowing donations to go for alcohol and food. And they never answered my other question... What is the difference between Iowa Friends and Iowa Voters? The "not for profit" money is going to fund the legislative fund. There are a lot of things that aren't being told with this group.

A well organized group that has been working hard towards their goals for several years. I have been involved with this group for over 4 years and hope that I can continue to support the efforts for many more to come.

The nonprofit does great great work against the cruelty in Iowa puppy mills. But since it is Iowa Friends of Companion Animals, I would like to see them also do something for the suffering/death of cats, as cats are companion animals also. There is a great lack of low cost spay and neuter services in most rural towns of Iowa; resulting in many homeless animals that are put to death or suffer as strays because there are not enough homes and very few "no kill" shelters (some rural towns have no shelters at all).

This is organization provides very timely and unbiased information to the public regarding animal cruelty and puppy mills. Keep up the great work that you do!

This organization does a terrific job of informing the public of animal cruelty where it exists and without bias. Their information is always accurate and from reliable sources. They do a great job of advocating for the animals without losing their cool and are in general, a strong and credible voice for the animals in the state of Iowa.

This organization works tirelessly to protect animals from harm. We run a rescue which is honorable but what Mary is doing is so much more. She is working towards prevention! This organization continues to inform the public of the horrors of puppy mills. I hope that one day they will prove to law makers that puppy mills have no place in Iowa. Scott Shehan co-founder Lusco Farms Rescue, Malvern, Iowa

I am so proud of this non profit! I have followed Iowa Friends of Companion Animals for several months now on Facebook, and helped with writing to state representatives etc. to back legislation voting against puppy mills etc. I hope to do more for/with this group in the future. Keep up the great work, Iowa Friends of Companion Animals!