Pet Store Supports Puppy Mills

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by dsaundry

I dont care whether you drove to Mexico to buy a dog,

There is an agency that will assist Canadians in adopting Mexican dogs if you want one, no need to drive all the way there

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Interesting. I never understood the rationale behind the assumption that pet store dogs came from these puppy mills or backyard breeders. Thanks, Brad.

The last few times I've been to these big pet stores, they have dogs in two categories: puppies for sale, and rescued adult animals (they usually have a typed up story behind the animal--where it was found, age, temperment, etc.) I don't see any harm in the latter. Kind of a satellite SPCA...sort of?

I'm curious then, since I'm mostly a cat lover, where do the cats come from, and do cats have the same genetic issues as the dogs do? What about the birds and fish? Reptiles, etc.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Der_Iron_Chef

I'm curious then, since I'm mostly a cat lover,

We lika ya Drew, so we won't hold that against you

I'm not sure of cats, but I suspect that if PB cats may be in th esame position as dogs. Again, most pet stores only sell gray cats or orange cats, again from often unexpected/wanted litters. They are given to the store for free and sold at a nominal cost. Purebreds again suffer the same fate as dogs. Professional Maine Coon breeders do not sell to pet stores and vice versa.
Birds from stores are mostly wild caught, although the occasional hand fed locally bred birds do make it to the pet stores, mostly from hobbyists that had a try at breeding. Not the same game as dogs and cats.

[Aquattro]

Here is a typical description on buying puppies. This comes from a site I'm currently reading on BCs, but is applicable to all breeds;

"Where should I get my dog?

There are several options, some good, others not so good. If you choose to get an adult dog, you can get one from a shelter, from a Border Collie rescue organization, or from a breeder who is looking for a home for an adult Border Collie. If you decide to get a puppy, you should do some research and find a breeder with a good reputation. Do not buy a Border Collie puppy from a pet store. Although these puppies are adorable, they are generally from puppy mills and are incredibly overpriced. Most people don't realize that they can usually buy a very well-bred, well-socialized, pet-quality puppy with exceptional guarantees from a reputable breeder for less money than they can buy a puppy from a pet store. Pet store puppies have usually been bred for profit with little consideration given to long-term health. They are often prone to many problems, such as epilepsy, hip and joint problems, and early blindness. They are also usually poorly socialized, which means they can grow up to be timid, fearful dogs. Do not even buy from pet stores advertising that their animals are not from puppy mills: no reputable breeder would ever sell puppies to a pet store! You will often encounter the same problems with health and socialization with puppies sold through ads in the newspaper. The best way to find a good breeder is by asking people who already own healthy Border Collies with good temperaments."