Information Concerning Pet Stores
Lemon Laws - These laws provide an incentive for pet stores to obtain their animals from responsible sources, rather than from puppy mills and similar outlets.
Pet Store Fires, Preventable Tragedies? - Pet stores are full of unsupervised electrical appliances and live animals. Because of this potentionally dangerous combination, you would think that fire safety would be a top priority.
Pet Store Laws - Information on federal, state, and municiple laws regulating pet stores.
Questionable Pet Store Products - Dog toys and treats, flea medicine, hot rocks, cedar bedding, parrot diets. Just because these products are on store shelves does not mean they can be presumed safe.
Sold A Sick Animal? - For several reasons, the chances of purchasing a sick pet store animal are EXTREMELY high. Fortunately, most pet purchasers aren't without recourse if sold a sick pet.
Special Order Only, Inappropriate Pets for Impulse Buyers - Although they can make pets for experienced owners, these animals are NOT for the average impulse pet store customer. For that reason, pet stores should seriously reconsider stocking them on a regular basis or selling them to just anyone.
Ten Reasons Not to Buy a Puppy from a Pet Store - written by Catherine M. Sheeter.
Why Stores Should Stop the Sale of Dogs and Cats - There is no viable reason why a pet store should continue the sale of dogs and cats.
Information on the Pet Trade
The "Betta Cup" Myth - Because of its beautiful colors and fin shapes, the Betta is very popular in the pet trade. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most abused and misunderstood fish on the market.
Cyanide Fishing, A Poisonous Business - There are several possible reasons behind the high mortality of aquarium fish: improper handling and transport conditions that often stress fish (inadequate facilities, poor water quality, insufficient water changes, overcrowding), or, like something out of a spy story, they may have succumbed to cyanide poisoning.
Green Iguanas - Ten Dollar Sticker Price, Thousand Dollar Investment - Green Iguanas can be found in many pet stores across the country, usually advertised as being ‘low maintenance’ and ‘great for kids’. For most of these creatures, the outlook is quite grim.
Importation of "Wild Caught" Pets - Most consumers are completely unaware of the ethical and public health implications involved in purchasing a wild caught animal.
"Painting" Fish - One of the more detestable practices is that of "painting" or "tatooing" fish - when fish suppliers take naturally colorless "glass fish" and inject them with color to make them more appealing to unsuspecting hobbyists.
The Sale of Unweaned Birds - It is quite common to find unweaned baby parrots for sale in pet stores, which is unfortunate because the average pet store employee or customer has no idea how complicated and demanding the hand raising process is..
Say No to Live Gifts for Easter - Every spring, pet stores and feed barns across the country stock up on bunnies, chicks, and ducks. Unsuspecting parents are often suprised to find that these animals make HORRIBLE pets for children. Read this before you buy that cute Easter bunny!
Where the Animals Come From
Bird Mills, Avian Puppy Mills - Most of us have heard the sad stories about puppy mills. Hundreds of miserable creatures huddled in crowded cages - their only purpose in life being to breed. However, most people have not been exposed to the avian equivalent, the bird mill. Most pet stores, especially the larger chains, get their parrots from bird mills.
Commercial Dog Breeders and Puppy Mills - Have you ever wondered how pet stores manage to always have a steady stream of puppies for sale? While some stores may occasionally buy from local breeders, the majority of pet store puppies (estimates say 90%) are coming from commercial dog breeders.
Know Your Source - Do you know where your rat came from? by the Rat Lovers Association (OFFSITE LINK).
Cyanide Fishing, A Poisonous Business - There are several possible reasons behind the high mortality of aquarium fish: improper handling and transport conditions that often stress fish (inadequate facilities, poor water quality, insufficient water changes, overcrowding), or, like something out of a spy story, they may have succumbed to cyanide poisoning.
The Rabbit Breeding and Raising Process by Cheryl Kucsera, The Monaco House Rabbit Sanctuary.
Importation of "Wild Caught" Pets - Most consumers are completely unaware of the ethical and public health implications involved in purchasing a wild caught animal.
