American Kennels
798 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10065
(212) 838-8460
Date and time of CAPS investigation: 05/13/18; 16:1
Approximate number of animals observed at time of investigation: about 15 puppies and two cat
Puppies were in enclosures with solid walls, wire floorings, and wire floorings. Both cats were in an enclosure with solid walls and flooring, a clear plastic wall for the public to view them through, and which contained a litterbox. A sign offering information on the sources of puppies is located above several puppy enclosures above head height.
The owner (Caucasian male, about 60 years old, 6’2”, 185 lbs., with short gray hair, a receding hairline, wearing a suit with a bright green tie and a pinkie ring) told me that he doesn’t buy from puppy mills and has private breeders. I told him that I had a bad experience buying a puppy that came from a place with 200 hundred dogs in cages, and he said that his breeders are “not like that at all,” and reiterated they are private. I then asked if that meant they are exclusive to his store, and he confirmed that is what “private” means before turning and walking off.
The owner then approached another employee, pointed a thumb back at me and whispered something to the employee who nodded, and then walked away. I later approached him and asked him the price on a puppy, which he answered. I then asked if he had papers on the puppy and he said, “Yeah,” while texting on his phone. A few seconds later, he walked away to approach other customers and ignored my request for paperwork.
Evidence of false statements and misrepresentations of breeders by store:
Certificates of Veterinary Inspection Forms obtained by CAPS for 4/25/18 show that on that date puppies were sent by Paul Haag in Eden Valley, MN to not only American Kennels’ store, but Bob’s Tropical Pet Center in Queens, NY. A CVI for 2/23/18 shows puppies sent by Haag to NY Breeder in White Plains, NY and Pups 4 Love in Albertson, NY. This contradicts the owner’s claim that his breeders are exclusive to his store.
Update: The Humane Society of the United States conducted an undercover investigation of American Kennels in November and December of 2021. The store closed in February 2022.
