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Look Beyond Pet Stores

Eileen of Minneapolis writes:
Regarding pet store animal sales - it might be helpful for consumers to be aware that reputable cat and dog breeders simply do not sell animals to pet shops, nor do breeders of show-quality purebreds. Pet store cats and dogs are widely known to be from overcrowded, disease-prone kitten and puppy mills with occasional litters from a neighbor who neglects to spay/neuter and lets their pet roam and breed with strays. They sometimes also get animals from disreputable breeders who need to quickly dispose of animals with known physical or emotional problems.

Pet stores and kitten and puppy mills make their profit by NOT providing proper socialization and proper medical care to their animals - it is that simple. Every such purchase encourages and supports this practice.

There are stores who allow animal rescues to bring animals in for adoption rather than contributing to the abusive practices listed above. Potential adopters generally receive accurate medical records regarding any tests, vaccines and treatments that have been given since the animal was rescued. Rescue volunteers are also more likely to be forthright regarding the likelihood that a particular animal is a good match for a particular household. Unlike standard pet shop sales, most rescues do request that animals be returned to them if problems occur so they have more at stake if the adoption does not work out.

And yes, these nonprofit organizations do lose money on every single adoption even if the animal is completely healthy when rescued, and even though they may charge twice what a regular pet shop charges. Some purebred dog rescues may break even, I'm not as familiar with their pricing.

It certainly behooves people to research specific breeds before buying them. Pet store sales personnel are trained in how to run the register and how to stock the shelves. I've not been in any pet store that claims its minimum wage sales associates are certified animal behavior specialists. Anyone who makes the 15-25 year commitment to care for a cat or dog should educate themselves first on the most appropriate type of animal for their household as well as determining whether or not they can provide the daily care, veterinary care, and proper training that the animal requires to be a healthy and comfortable member of the household. It is unfair and neglectful to the animal (who has no control over the situation) to do otherwise.

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