Puppy mills prioritize profit over animal welfare, leading to lifelong health and behavior issues for dogs. In this episode, Koli Walker of Healthy Pets Northwest shares red flags for bad breeders, the importance of the first eight weeks of a puppy’s life, and why adopting from shelters is a game-changer for both pets and families.
What if the adorable puppy you’re eyeing came from a life of unimaginable suffering—and you could prevent it with a few simple checks?
In this episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, host Dr. Johnny Lieberman chats with Koli Walker, manager at family-owned Healthy Pets Northwest in Portland, Oregon, about the hidden world of puppy mills and responsible dog breeding. Koli reveals how the first eight weeks of a puppy’s life shape its future health, from allergies to anxiety, and breaks down red flags like breeders who won’t let you meet the parents or facility.
From the horrors of commercial breeding operations to the power of “adopt, don’t shop,” they discuss why pet stores may still source from mills, the flaws in USDA oversight, and how choosing adoption saves lives—while touching on better nutrition for longer, healthier pet lives.
Whether you’re dreaming of a new furry family member or just love dogs, this episode arms you with the knowledge to make ethical, informed choices that prioritize animal welfare and public health.
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About the Guest – Koli Walker
Koli Walker - the inventory specialist for Healthy Pets Northwest and am part of the family that owns it. Every animal deserves a happy healthy life and we aim to help them achieve that.
Website: https://healthypetsnw.com
About the Show
Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health explores the intersection of animal welfare, public policy, and human health. Hosted by Dr. Johnny Lieberman, each episode invites changemakers, legal experts, and health advocates to shed light on what really impacts our communities—and what we can do about it.
Dr. Johnny Lieberman is a physician, public health advocate, and lifelong animal lover with a passion for connecting the dots between animal welfare, human behavior, and the systems that shape our lives. With a background in both medicine and public health policy, Johnny brings a unique lens to conversations about how our treatment of animals impacts human health, the environment, and social justice.
In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).
Whether he's discussing legislative loopholes or snuggling his rescue dog between recordings, Dr. Lieberman believes that creating a healthier world starts with how we treat its most vulnerable beings.