'Buying from a pet store'

Buying from a pet store

Lucy (66.24.100.217) -

I have never bought one of my pets from a pet store. I have heard so many horror stories about puppy mills and selling them to pet stores. We got the 2 labs we have now from breeders. Sadie is from people we know and then Shadow came from someone we didn't know at first but after telling some relatives about getting a new dog they actually knew the people. I feel so bad for those little guys in the pet store and they are twice if not more expensive. My husband and I vowed to rescue a dog from a shelter but it isn't in the cards right now but we will do it. I don't think I will ever buy from a pet store though. Has anyone bought their pet from a pet store and how was the experience?

Comment #1 Jeanette from AZ -

I don't know anyone who has purchased their pet from a pet store because of the reasons you stated above. Plus, they are so outrageously overpriced!!

Comment #2 Lee from Montevideo, Uruguay -

We got our cat from a pet store. The pet stores here rarely have cats so I don't think they are getting them from "kitty mills".

We paid about $45 for our siamese. The pet store at the mall wanted about $100 for siamese kittens.

Comment #3 Courtney (1) from The South -

We have bought a poodle at a pet shop. Which was way too expensive. We have also bought cats from pet shops for like 30.00. They were very sweet cats, rag dolls, and well worth the purchase.

Comment #4 endora (24.45.126.104) -

The mall pet shops are horrible looking. those poor animals are trapped in this tiny cage. It looks so unhealthy.

Comment #5 gwes from OC -

I bought my new puppy from a pet store a couple of weeks ago, I wasnt sure if it was a good dission but it seems to be pretty good.

Comment #6 lily from deep south -

I don't get dogs or cats from pet stores. I go to reputable breeders. I just purchased a bouvia from a breeder out of state. It took forever to find someone who actually knew what they were doing and had healthy looking pups.

Comment #7 QTPie from the rainforest -

I think small mammals like mice, rats, rabbits, guinea oigs and the like it really doesn't matter much where you get them. But for other animals it is very important and pet stores are not the place. Dogs and cats should be purchased from reputable breeders if you are buying purebreds. If you don't care about breed then shelters are great because you can be sure that they have been checked out. Reptiles and other exotic pets should always be purchased from breeders that know the animals and their needs. I got my first snake from a pet store owned by the breeder. I was in his store when a guy came in and wanted to buy a snake and the guy asked him a few questions and the answers didn't make sense so he told the guy that he couldn't sell the animal to him as he wouldn't risk the animal or people being harmed. I came in 5 or 6 times over 3 weeks before he would sell me one of his snakes. He wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into and that I was prepared to take care of her.

Comment #8 snowy from Wisconsin -

Yes I heard that there are puppy mills that breed dogs just for sales. They need to get them from somewhere. I have never purchased an animal from a breeder or a pet store. don't care whether I have a "yorkie" or some other pure bred, as long as it is a great loving pet. We have always gotten our animals from a shelter. Once our cat passes on (getting pretty old) I think I will adopt a cat from our shelter. I hear when they are over a certain age, you get them for free!!

Comment #9 jhon benjamin (61.17.246.130) -

Dog Breeder should be the safest place to get a new dog or puppy. It gives you the almost complete information about your interested breed dog. Finding the perfect dog breeder has also never been easier.

• Dog Breeders

Comment #10 Jamie (63.176.159.236) -

I am looking for an American Bulldog puppy. Anyone know of any dog breeders in PA?

Comment #11 Heeroneko (75.106.177.174) -

Not all pet stores are bad. The majority are tho. Best way to figure out if they're bad or good is to read up about whatever animal you're wanting and then ask the pet store ppls about them to see how much they actually know about the animals. Not a 100% deal but usually if the owner knows about the animals and the cages n tanks n animals seem to be in good condition n healthy you'll get a good pet.

Comment #12 Heeroneko (75.106.177.174) -

Oh and even with small animals you should be careful about this not just the larger ones like cats. Mice can get some nasty diseases spread around from bad conditions and not all of them are obvious. There is always the chance that a healthy looking mouse could be a carrier even if it isn't being affected by the disease....so yeah take all new pets to a vet first thing...if the pet is sick...then you'll know before you take it home to be around your other animals n family...could prolly get the pet store to give you a refund as well...

Comment #13 Tyf from United States -

ALL PET STORES ARE BAD!

Obviously the dogs are from puppy mills or bad breeders because a good reputable breeder would want to know where there puppies are going, and would have there dogs health tested and shots, ect.

You should adopt an animal or find a good breeder. So many cats and dogs are in shelters. You can also adopt Guinea Pigs, Rats, Mice, etc. just look on Petfinder.com

Comment #14 Ah Pook (71.199.1.71) -

Why buy from a pet store or even from a local breeder, especially dogs or cats when you can rescue them from shelters where thousands of living beings are being killed every day because of the irresponsibility of all of us. DO NOT SUPPORT BREEDERS OR PET STORES! There are to many homeless animals already!

Comment #15 Tyf from United States -

Ah Pook, responsible breeders are good.

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